Sunday, December 18, 2011

Simbang Gabi

Last night at church, we were able to join in on the beautifully artistic celebration of Simbang Gabi which means a mass at dawn.  This is a Filipino custom that is celebrated in the Philippines at 4am before the sun rises and heats up the land.  Farmers travel for miles to join this mass and carry these beautiful lanterns to help light the way.  The Simbang Gabi mass is a nine day novena to the Blessed Mother that starts on Dec. 16th and ends on Dec. 24th.


Ours was not done at 4am but during the 5pm Vigil Mass with so many gorgeous colorful lanterns on display and the ladies dressed in beautiful yellow and red dresses.  Part of the mass was said in Filipino and part in English.  The children were dressed with one Mary and Joseph; and the rest were angels in a procession throughout the church with a Filipino Music Group singing songs in their native language.  Absolutely beautiful!


Following the mass, we went to our gym where we feasted upon Filipino cuisine with Filipino live music as our entertainment.   It was a special evening for all that felt as if we were transported for an evening to the Philippines!  To learn more about Simbang Gabi Mass you can go here.

Advent Blessings to all,
Noreen

6 comments:

  1. How neat! I just love the Filipino culture. You are blessed to have so many that belong to your church. they are a beautiful people.

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  2. It was fun and beautiful! There was such beauty in the love they have of Christ that was represented in vibrant colors and songs.

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  3. I very much admire the passion the Filippino people have for Jesus and Mary. The celebration sounds just beautiful.

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  4. The Filipino Catholics call it "Misa de Gallo" or The Rooster Mass, here in Hawaii. They also have a potluck breakfast afterwards.

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  5. The Filipino people have such beautiful Faith customs and traditions...we read/saw another one some years ago...and forgive me for forgetting what Feast Day it centered on...but for several DAYS there were gatherings, singing, and praying of the rosary from house to house...BEAUTIFUL statues and candles everywhere...it was amazing.
    I will enjoy learning more about the Simbang Gabi with my children...THANK YOU!

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