A homegrown choir and some homemade decorations helped Filipinos in western Virginia celebrate a favorite Christmas tradition from their homeland Dec. 13.
More than 300 people came to the Basilica of St. Andrew, Roanoke, for the start of Simbang Gabi, the Filipino custom of a novena of Masses right before Christmas.
“Aside from being very sacred tradition, it is also a beautiful tradition to remember that our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, all did this also when they were alive,” said St. Andrew parishioner Ginny Garza, one of the coordinators of the event.
Bishop Barry C. Knestout concelebrated the liturgy with priests from the western vicariate, including Father Kevin Segerblom, rector of St. Andrew; Msgr. Patrick Golden, pastor of Our Lady of Nazareth, Roanoke; and Filipino pastors from across the diocese.
As the bishop noted in his homily, Simbang Gabi invites Catholics in the Philippines to get up before dawn and make their way to church for Mass each of the nine days before Christmas, “to pray for the grace of the season, the grace of hope and of joy.”
Across the diocese, some 32 parishes took part in Simbang Gabi this year, according to the Office of Ethic Ministries. Most are holding one Mass; St. Jerome, Newport News, is doing the full novena. In this country, the ceremonies take place at the end of the workday – but the bishop said the message is the same.
“We are keeping our focus, our attention, on the Lord, on his birth, his Incarnation, and the joy that brings to us … in our faith and in our hearts,” he said. “So that increase in grace, adoration, prayer and praise can be experienced by all, as we move towards Christmas and give thanks to God for his blessings.”
A choir made up of 30 people from the local Filipino community provided the music, including hymns sung in Tagalog, such as the offertory song, “Ang Tanging Alay Ko” (“My Only Offering”). Singers swayed and smiled through the recessional, “Kampana Ng Simbahan” (“The Church Bell”). Choir director Maria Pontiveros said they rehearsed for over two months.
For Father Sal Añonuevo, pastor of Holy Cross, Lynchburg, the songs brought back memories of those novena Masses he attended as a child in the town of Barcelona in the Philippines. So did the parols – paper lanterns made in the shape of stars which light the way to the church. Servers carried parols in the procession and placed them on the altar, including two made by a late parishioner, Art Ybañez.
“This becomes our star of Bethlehem to guide us,” Father Añonuevo said. “Just as the magi were guided by the star, so we believe that our faith will guide us to Our Lord Jesus.”
The way the Filipino community comes together to make this all happen is also a beautiful tradition, said Garza. “It’s typical for Filipinos that when you come together, you do whatever is needed to do,” she said. “Nobody’s the boss, nobody’s the star.”
As is the custom in their homeland, a light meal with barbecued meats on skewers and other traditional treats followed the Mass. Helping to do what was needed to keep the trays of food filled was Bless Atienza.
“It’s all about thanking God and waiting for his coming,” said Atienza, as she took a few minutes to reflect on the meaning of Simbang Gabi. “We just believe in the faith … because our parents do, and what we get out of it is that it strengthens our faith.”
The event was a homecoming for Ramon Cantor and his wife, Flora; they drove up from Charlotte, North Carolina. Before moving there, they lived in Roanoke for close to 50 years. Ramon said that they helped get the custom started in this area during the tenure of the late Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo.
“We drove for a very good cause and to see how it has flourished over the years,” said Cantor. “It’s been wonderful to see it come to this level and with the bishop celebrating it.”
During Advent, said Bishop Knestout, the days are short and cold. Our lives can be challenging, with perhaps some struggles at work or in our families and the “dizziness of the season.” But as he noted at this first Simbang Gabi this year, the season’s readings offer the hope and joy of Christ entering the world, lighting the way to our eternal home.
Read more about Simbang Gabi celebrations across the United States.