Simbang Gabi, a Christmas tradition that many Catholic Filipino families celebrate during the holidays, will soon be upon us. Literally meaning, ‘Night Mass’, it is a nine-day series of masses leading up to Christmas that begins December 16 and ends December 24. Also known as Misa de Gallo, or Mass of the Rooster, it has its roots during Spain’s occupancy where Spanish friars rang the church bells early in the morning so farmer could go to mass before working in the fields. A ‘parol’, a Filipino star-shaped lantern constructed of bamboo and papél de japón (Japanese paper) and lit with a candle, brightened the way for the farmers and other villagers to the church. Now more intricately made and using batteries to help light it, the parol symbolizes the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of Baby Jesus and continues to be another symbol of Christmas for Filipinos around the world.
Simbang Gabi got its start in Livermore in 2008 when Fr. Gus Acob joined St. Charles of Borromeo in 2008 as its administrator. He was the first Filipino priest at that parish, so it was naturally fitting that he bring this Filipino custom to all the ‘kababayan’ or ‘countrymen’ in town. Masses were held at both St. Charles and St. Michael parishes for a few years. When Fr. Gus’ time was up, the head pastor at St. Charles at the time, Fr. Robert Mendonca, continued the practice. And even when Fr. Bob, as he is affectionately called, was reassigned to St. Michael the tradition followed him. St. Michael Parish has been exclusively hosting Simbang Gabi since 2011 for the devoted Catholic Filipino families in Livermore and surrounding cities. Under the leadership of its first Filipino head priest, Fr. Carl Arcosa, it continues to grow.
Services begin at 5:30 am every day starting Dec. 16, except for Sunday, Dec. 22 which will be held at 5:00 am. Mass will be in English with some Tagalog. Afterwards, a potluck fare featuring Filipino favorites like pandesal (breakfast rolls), arroz caldo, and bibingka (rice cake) and other delicious food will be awaiting church goers who faithfully rise up every morning and attend mass each day. You don’t have to be Filipino to experience this wonderful custom. Come for all nine days or just one day. For more information and/or to sponsor a mass, visit https://stmichaellivermore.com/Filipino.