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SIMBANG GABI Commences With Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles will be the setting of the First of the Simbang Gabi masses traditionally held by Filipinos to usher Christmas. “Simbang Gabi”, literally translated as “Night Mass”, is a Filipino Advent tradition consisting of a novena of masses that will be celebrated by Filipino-Americans in 105 parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Simbang Gabi 2005 is being sponsored by the San Pedro Region under the auspices of the Office of Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Simbang Gabi will commence with an archdiocesan-wide Eucharistic celebration on Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral. Cardinal Roger Mahony will preside, with the Auxiliary Bishops and Clergy of the Archdiocese, concelebrating. Traditionally, the Filipino Clergy sings the Post Communion songs during this celebration. During the past three (3) years, the archdiocesan-wide mass at the Cathedral have been sponsored by the different regions - Our Lady of the Angels Region sponsored last year’s celebration and the San Fernando Region sponsored the previous year . Sr. M. Christina O. Sevilla, RGS of the Office of Filipino Ministry’ encourages the participation and involvement of all Filipino-Americans in the 5 regions of the archdiocese of Los Angeles. This novel and challenging idea was made a reality by the 12 parishes in the San Pedro Region. Among the fruits of the meetings of parish representatives is coming up with this year’s theme: “Eucharistic Family…Giving Thanks, Serving, Sharing!” – “Pamilyang Pinagbubuklod ng Eukaristiya . . . Nagpapasalamat, Nagbabahaginan, Naglilingkod!”. It incorporates and hopes to provide continuity to the recently concluded Year of the Eucharist declared by the late Pope John Paul II, and underscores the vital roles played by families in the formation of today’s society.
As in years past, families will have the opportunity to participate in the celebration. Families representing parishes that will hold Simbang Gabi masses will each carry a Christmas star lantern, or “parol”. As Sr. Christina explains, the “parol” symbolizes Christ as the light of the world who came to overcome darkness. Every time a “parol” is hung, it symbolizes Christ’s presence. The theme banners in English and Pilipino will be paraded following the Parade of Parols. The Choir for this year’s celebration is the Filipinas Chorale USA & The Cherubs under the direction of Sr. Marie Vincent Llamzon, SFCC.
Come in your Filipino attire and join in our much loved celebration of Simbang Gabi!
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