Simbang Gabi 2018
Once again, Simbang Gabi 2018 will be held in various churches in the Tampa Bay Area from December 15-23. Mark your calendars for this special annual event!
Saturday, December 15, 2018, 7:30PM
ESPIRITU SANTO CATHOLIC CHURCH
2405 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Coordinators: Rocky and Emma Barrido
Celebrant: Rev. Father Len Piotrowski, Pastor
Sunday, December 16, 2018, 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, Couples for Christ Ministry, Dr. Flor Alquizola
Celebrant: Rev. Father Bill Swengros, JCD
Co-celebrant: Fr. George Gyasi, Parochial Vicar
Monday, December 17, 2018, 7:00PM
MOST HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH
10110 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
Coordinators: Lulu Lozano (Mekeni Cabalen), Roy Covarrubias (Tampa Bay Sports Club) and Oscar Santos (Fil-Am Amateur Dance Club)
Celebrant: Fr. Anthony Coppola, Pastor
Co-celebrant: Fr. Jonathan Loverita, Parochial Vical
Tuesday, December 18, 2018, 7:00PM
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
5340 High St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Coordinators: David and Marilou Klimes
Celebrant: Rev. Father Sebastian Earthedath
Co-Celebrant: Fr. Sebastian Earthedath, MST, Pastor
Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 7:00PM
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH
1711 E 11th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Coordinator: Nhick Ramiro Pacis, OLPH Ladies Choir
Celebrant: Rav. Father Hector Cruz
Thursday, December 20, 2018, 7:00PM
OUR LADY OF ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
2348 Collier Pkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
Coordinators: Mac and Nida Liwanag
Celebrant: Reverend Monsignor Ronald B. Aubin, Pastor
Friday, December 21, 2018, 7:00PM
ST. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH
106 11th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Coordinators: Jesus and Mary Prayer Group and Alliance of Two Hearts (Brandon), Marites dela Rosa and Leila Taghap
Celebrant: Rev. Father Glenn Diaz, Pastor St. Thomas the Opostle Catholic Church
Co-celebrant: Very Rev. Fr. John McEvoy, VF, Pastor at St. ANne Catholic Church
Saturday, December 22, 2018, 7:00PM
LIGHT OF CHRIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
2176 Marilyn Street, Clearwater, FL 33765
Coordinators: Divine Love Family Prayer Group
Celebrant: Rev. Father Bill Wilson, Pastor
Sunday, December 23, 2018, 7:00PM
BAYANIHAN ARTS AND EVENTS CENTER
14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, FL 33626
Coordinators: Lucy Bautista and Marly Balderama
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Bill Swengros, JCD, Pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, Tampa
Simbang Gabi Overall Coordinators:
Ed and Susan Bilbao
(813) 503-6460
(813) 323-0454
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 2018!