Simbáng Gabí

Simbáng Gabí [pronounced “Sim-BONG gah-BEE”] is a nine-day celebration beginning on Dec. 15 in which Filipinos prepare for Christmas. 

In your mind's eye, picture an old stone church in a small barrio decorated with lights and parols (star-shaped lanterns). Now imagine the scent of steaming puto (rice cake) and baked bibingka filling the air as many gather to attend the first day of “Simbang Gabi”. Simbang Gabi, which directly translates to “Night Mass”, is also called Misa de Gallo (meaning "Mass of the Rooster") or Misa de Aguinaldo (meaning "Mass of the Gifts”). It is a Filipino tradition, a nine-day series of masses leading up to Christmas where we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as she prepares to give birth to the baby Jesus. These Masses are usually held at dawn and after mass comes a delicious breakfast of Filipino delicacies with hot tsolokate (chocolate).

This tradition was started by Spanish Friars in the Philippines 355 years ago. To Filipinos, Simbang Gabi is a way to show our devotion, an expression of filial piety and a bonding ritual that spans continents. It has followed Filipinos wherever we’ve gone in the world. It is a way to bring the Philippines to us, especially during Christmas time. It reminds us of home. Some of us also believe that if you finish the novena, your wish will be granted. You’ll have to try finishing it to see if this is true.

Growing up, my family didn’t really celebrate Simbang Gabi. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I attended a “Simbang Gabi” Mass, held by the Philippine Studies program here at USF. I put the words in quotes because it was not really the nine-day novena. The Mass, though a one evening celebration, brought together the USF Filipino community.

But, I have fond memories of going to early morning masses with my Lola (grandmother in Ilonggo) during my elementary school days. I remember her wearing her navy blue dress , a sign of her devotion to our Lady of Perpetual Help. She always had a rosary in hand and would pray simultaneously as the mass was going on. The chapel was a block away from our house, so we would walk home after Mass. It brings joy to my heart to look back on simpler times when I got to be with my Lola, the heart of our family.

This simplicity is much needed today amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas. This tradition brings to the forefront the power of faith, the importance of family, and the strength of community. Just as Mary prepares for the birth of Jesus, we, too, prepare spiritually for the Season.

I’ve helped plan Simbang Gabi for years and it always warms my heart because it fosters a sense of unity. We all gather to worship at the Lord’s table and then we share a meal. It is truly a community-based spiritual experience for all ages. No matter where we are, whatever dialect or language we speak, Simbang Gabi shows the Filipinos’ strength of faith. In a world where we can get things instantly, we hope you can celebrate this tradition with us and take the time to enjoy the moments as we await our Lord’s arrival.

Liza Locsin, parishioner