Simbang Gabi Novena Begins

IC photo/Laura Vallejo

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The annual Filipino Christmas novena tradition of the Simbang Gabi began Dec. 16 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine with a Mass at which Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided.

The annual Filipino Christmas novena tradition of the Simbang Gabi began Dec. 16 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine with a Mass at which Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided. This year’s theme is “Komunyon, Pakikilahok, Misyon” (Communion, Participation and Mission), which was adopted from the theme of the Synod in Synodality initiated by Pope Francis “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” According to the information given at the Dec. 16 Mass, “These three dimensions are interrelated, each of them enriches and orients the other two.”  The theme “also recognizes the truth that we Filipinos outside of the Philippines have become more than just migrants, we have also become ambassadors of our faith as a community and as participants to the Catholic Mission,” stated the Misang Bayan, the Filipino Catholic Community in Utah. At the nine Masses that comprise the novena, one each night until Christmas, the participants display parols, lanterns made of sticks and colored paper that are “the most popular symbol of Christmas among Filipinos,” the Misang Bayan stated. IC photo/Laura Vallejo