Passaic parish holds Mass as part of Filipino celebration of Simbang Gabi in diocese

St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic hosted a bilingual Mass on Dec. 19 for Simbang Gabi, a traditional Filipino nine-day novena, in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Celebrating the Mass was Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney with Father Javier Bareno, St. Anthony’s administrator, concelebrating. In the diocese, this year’s Simbang Gabi celebration was held in 17 local churches from Dec. 15–Dec. 23. “Simbang Gabi” means “Mass of the Night.”