Simbang Gabi 2017
Simbang Gabi 2017 will be held in various churches in the Tampa Bay Area from December 15-23. Mark your calendars for this special annual event!
Friday, December 15, 2017, 7:00PM
OUR LADY OF ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
2348 Collier Pkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
Coordinators: Mac and Nida Liwanag – (571) 239-5247
Presider: Reverend Monsignor Ronald B. Aubin J.C.L.
Saturday, December 16, 2017, 7:00PM
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH
1711 E 11th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Coordinators: Nhick Ramiro Pacis – (813) 317-5319
Presider: Rav. Father Hector Cruz
Sunday, December 17, 2017, 7:00PM
ST PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH
12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
Coordinators: Sto. Niño Shrine USA and Marian Consecrated Group of Tampa Bay, Dr. Flor Alquizola – (813) 920-1626
Presider: Rev. Father Bill Swengros, JCD
Monday, December 18, 2017, 7:00PM
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
5340 High St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Coordinators:David and Marilou Klimes – (727) 858-0326
Presider: Rev. Father Sebastian Earthedath, MST
Tuesday, December 19, 2017, 7:00PM
LIGHT OF CHRIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
2176 Marilyn Street, Clearwater, FL 33765
Coordinators: Cy Lim, Michelle Galaura, and Cristina Fortaliza(727) 657-2224; (727) 810-8524
Presider: Rev. Father Bill Wilson
Wednesday, December 20, 2017, 7:00PM
ST. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH
106 11th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Coordinators: Maritess de la Rosa – (813) 944-9653
Presider: Rev. Father Glenn Diaz
Thursday, December 21, 2017, 7:00PM
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH
4518 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
Coordinators: Tito and Nilda de la Cruz – (727) 239-6490
Presider: Rev. Father Jim Angert, T.O.R.
Friday, December 22, 2017, 7:00PM
ESPIRITU SANTO CATHOLIC CHURCH
2405 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Coordinators: Rocky and Emma Barrido – (727) 967-6758
Presider: Rev. Father Len Piotrowski
Saturday, December 23, 2017, 7:00PM
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH
200 78th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Coordinators: Couples For Christ Ministry, Boeing & Dulcie Rivera, and Tito & Nilda de la Cruz – (727) 239-6490
Presider: Rev. Father Craig Morley
SIMBANG GABI 2017 OVERALL COORDINATORS:
Ed and Susan Bilbao
(813) 503-6460
Rev. Father J. Glenn Diaz
What is Simbang Gabi?
“Simbang Gabi” is a devotional nine-day series of Masses practised by Catholics and Aglipayans in the Philippines in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. The masses are held daily from December 16 to December 24 in the early mornings. On the last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, the service is instead called Misa de Gallo or “Rooster’s Mass”.
Simbang Gabi originated in the early days of Spanish rule over the Philippines as a practical compromise for farmers, who began work before sunrise to avoid the noonday heat out in the fields. Priests began to say Mass in the early mornings instead of the evening novenas more common in the rest of the Hispanic world. This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and became a symbol of sharing.
See you all at Simbang Gabi 2017!