Simbang Gabi 2019
The Filipino-American community of Tampa Bay is once again united in bringing Simbang Gabi 2019, a Philippine Advent tradition, starting on Sunday, December 15 to Monday, December 23 at the following locations:
Sunday, December 15, 2019, 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. & Mrs. Antonio and Vilma Bayani, Francis and Pilar Navales, Boeing and Dulcie Rivera
Presider: Rev. Father Bill Swengros, JCD
Monday, December 16, 2019, 7:00PM
THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. JUDE THE OPOSTLE
5815 5th Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Coordinators: Cora Legazpi and Isabelita SMith
Presider: Fr. Arthur J. Proulx
Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 7:00PM
ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
9724 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647
Coordinators: Filipino Choir and Couples for Christ Ministry, Joe Aclan, Mel and Tess Ebrada
Celebrant: Very Rev. Richard Jankowski, VF
Wednesday, December 18, 2019, 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 & Ner Santos (Fil-Am Amateur Dance Club)
Celebrant: Fr. Anthony Coppola, Pastor
Thursday, December 19, 2019, 7:00PM
OUR LADY OF ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
2348 Collier Pkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
Coordinators: Filipino COmmunity of OLOR, Mac and Nida Liwanag
Celebrant: Reverend Monsignor Ronald B. Aubin, JCL
Friday, December 20, 2019, 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, Leila Taghap, Terry Santamaria and Rebecca Mendoza
Celebrant: Very Rev. Fr. John McEvoy, VF
Saturday, December 21, 2019, 7:00PM
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH
4661 82nd Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Coordinators: Agness Alpapara and Amy Mancol
Celebrant: Fr. Kevin Yarnell
Sunday, December 22, 2019, 7:00PM
BAYANIHAN ARTS AND EVENTS CENTER
14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, FL 33626
*Mass will be celebrated after PASKO 2019
Coordinators: Marian Consecrated of Tampa Bay, Nenen Auza, Peachy Tucker and Marilyn Navarro
Gift Bearers: Rocky and Emma Barrido
Celebrant: Fr. Jonathan Loverita
Sunday, December 23, 2018, 7:00PM
LIGHT OF CHRIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
2176 Marilyn St., Clearwater, FL 33765
Coordinators: Divine Love Family Prayer Group, Michelle Galura, Cyrill Lim, Judith Vidal
Celebrant: Fr. Bill Wilson
Simbang Gabi Overall Coordinators:
Ed and Susan Bilbao
(813) 503-6460
What is Simbang Gabi?
“Simbang Gabi” is a devotional nine-day series of Masses practiced 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.
Many thanks to the overall coordinators of this special cultural tradition! See you all at Simbang Gabi 2019!