PASSAIC In anticipation of Christmas, Filipino Catholics in the Diocese continued their tradition of novena Masses celebrated Dec. 15 to 23, known as “Simbang Gabi.” In the Philippines, “Simbang Gabi,” which translates to Masses of the Night, is traditionally celebrated at 4 a.m.
Bishop Serratelli took part in the celebration at St. Anthony Church here Dec. 17 with Father Edgar Rivera, administrator of St. Anthony’s and Father Kevin Corcoran, priest-secretary to the Bishop as concelebrants. The novena was coordinated by Filipino Americans at St. Anthony’s, where it has been held for the past 15 years. The Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries also hosts an inter-parish “Simbang Gabi” for Morris, Sussex and Passaic counties. More than 15 parishes and pastors across the diocese hosted novena Masses for “Simbang Gabi” making it a pilgrimage for Filipinos across the Diocese, who attended the Masses at the different parishes.
Father Vidal Gonzales, pastor of St. Jude Parish in Hopatcong and priest-adviser for Filipino ministries, said, “Simbang Gabi brings the spirit of Christmas in preparation for the coming of the birth of Our Lord. We should prepare our hearts for the coming of Our Savior not only for Christmas but also every day in our lives. We do this by sharing a spirit of love and a spirit of helping one another especially those in need.”
For the Filipino-born priest and the first Filipino ordained in the Paterson Diocese, this tradition is very meaningful for Father Gonzales. He thinks about his relatives back home especially during Christmas. “Simbang Gabi is something you did with your family every Advent season and for those Filipinos living here, this tradition brings a sense of home to them,” he said.
To the families at the Mass, the Bishop said, “I like to take the opportunity to wish you and your families the blessed joy of Christmas Day and the Christmas season. Christmas is about family; it’s about being together. It’s about celebrating the fact that God become one with us. I hold you all dear to my heart and I will remember you always in daily Mass and I ask you to pray for the Bishop once in a while.”