Advent is a time of gathering for friends and family and prayer to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the history of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, fiestas honoring the saints, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Lord Jesus have grown and developed out of popular piety and devotion.

Simbang Gabi, for example, is one of the Philippines' longest and most popular religious traditions. For nearly four decades, Simbang Gabi has been a cherished part of the rich religious and cultural traditions of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) or Dawn Masses is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Expectant Mother of God.

It usually begins on December 16 (or December 15, when Masses are celebrated at dawn) and culminates on the morning of December 24. This tradition started in the early days of Christianity in Spain, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Simbang Gabi Masses in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles adhere to the liturgical guidelines appropriate to the Season of Advent.

THIS IS AN ADVENT CELEBRATION FOR ALL PARISHIONERS!

Feel free to wear attire from your culture of origin: Filipino, Irish, Italian, Ugandan, Japanese, Mexican, Native American, Norwegian, Korean, Puerto Rican, …

COORDINATING COMMITTEE - Please Join Us

• Les Rangel-Santos [email protected] & Liturgical Commission
  The Adult Choir will be leading the singing. (Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6:30PM-8PM; Mass at 9AM.)

• Eve Moir [email protected]
  Volunteer to be a sacristan, altar server, or usher, to assist in the liturgy.

• Elli Haffey [email protected]
  Shelia Claverie [email protected]
  Carol Covelli-Roberts [email protected]
  We’re looking for friendly parishioners who will come 15 minutes before the Mass to stand at the doors of the church to greet people and hand out worship aids as people come into the celebration.

• Josie Hofilena [email protected]
  We need families and individuals to participate in the pre-liturgy parade of Parols (star lanterns)

• Cora Colwell [email protected]
  We’re looking for individuals who can lead the Universal Prayers (Prayer of the Faithful) in Ilocano, Kapangpangan, Cebuano, Pangasinense, Spanish, Hiligaynon or Iloggo, and Bicolano (one person per dialect/language).

• Lydia Nelson [email protected]
  We’re looking for people to present items for the SLM pantry during the pre-liturgy offering of gifts.

• Mary Ann Limbo [email protected]
  Madison Norquist [email protected]
  After Simbang Gabi, a simple reception in the Parish Hall.