SIMBANG GABI (sim-bang guh-bee) or (simbäng’gäbē’)
(Novena Masses in preparation for Christmas)

Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope Sixtus V granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass.

The beginnings of Simbang gabi in the Philippines can be traced back to 1668 when religious missionaries brought from Mexico the practice to the Philippines. Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. These nine dawn Masses are considered as a Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This also refers to the Roman Catholic practice of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtain special graces. In traditional Catholic belief, however, completing the novena is also supposed to mean that God would grant the devotee's special wish or favor.

This nine-day celebration symbolizes God’s desire to be human and the Filipino’s joy for that humanness. People dress in their finest Philippine barongs and dresses. Simbang Gabi is a religious festival for all, Filipino and non-Filipino. But no matter the language or dress, when you pray and sing during the Simbang Gabi, you realize how truly universal the Christmas spirit is.

This is one of many cultural activities everyone can participate in and enjoy as a preparation for Christmas at OLMM. This special celebration is a spiritual preparation of the faithful to receive from God the greatest gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

If you would like to be a part of this incredible group of people, please contact Peter See at (323) 725-7578