Simbang Gabi 2020
The Filipino-American community of Tampa Bay brings Simbang Gabi 2020, a Philippine Advent tradition, starting on Sunday, December 15 to Monday, December 23 at the following locations:
Tuesday, December 15, 2020, 7:00PM
ST MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
15520 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613
Coordinators: c/o Chara
Presider: Rev. Fr. Chito Valenciano
Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 7:00PM
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC CHURCH
1711 E 11th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Coordinators: Nhick Ramiro Pacis
Presider: Rev. Fr. Chito Valenciano
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 7:00PM
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS CATHOLIC CHURCH
6400 E Chelsea St, Tampa, FL 33610
Coordinators: Leila Taghap/ Alliance of Two Hearts
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Franco Pino, SDB
Friday, December 18, 2020, 7:00PM
ST. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH
106 11th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Coordinators: Jesus and Mary Prayer Group, c/o Marites de la Rosa
Celebrant: Very Rev. Fr. John McEvoy, VF
Saturday, December 19, 2020, 7:00PM
PHILIPPINE CULTRURAL FOUNDATION, INC
Philfest Grounds
14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, FL 33626
Coordinators: PCFI c/o Lari Peterson, Chairman
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Jonathan Loverita
*Mass follows after PASKO 2020
Sunday, December 20, 2020, 7:00PM
ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH
12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
Coordinators: Sto. Nino Shrine USA and COuples for Christ International Ministry, Dr. Antonio and Vilma Bayani, Susan Bilbao, Francis & Pilar Navales
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Bill Swengros, JCD
Monday, December 21, 2020, 7:00PM
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
2348 Collier Pkwy, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
Coordinators: Mac and Nilda Liwanag
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Jojo Tejada
Tuesday, December 22, 2020, 7:00PM
MOST HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH
10110 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
Coordinators: TBD
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Jonathan Loverita
Wednesday, December 23, 2020, 7:00PM
ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH
12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
Coordinators: Sto. Nino Shrine USA and COuples for Christ International Ministry, Dr. Antonio and Vilma Bayani, Susan Bilbao, Francis & Pilar Navales
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Bill Swengros, JCD
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!