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SIMBANG GABI is a Filipino Catholic tradition, in anticipation to the celebration of Christmas. On each of the nine mornings leading up to Christmas, parishioners gather in the pre-dawn hours to attend a mass. It begins on December 16 and ends on the midnight of the 24th of December, which is the midnight mass.In the Philippines, the mass usually begins as early as 4 AM and provides a multitude of experiences. It encompasses the sacrifice in rising up early and traveling to church in the dark to the camaraderie of eating together among the crowd before heading to work. Most Filipinos believe that petitions sent out to the baby Jesus at each of the nine Simbang Gabi masses are more likely to be answered.
Here in the US, this event has been modified to be celebrated in the evening to accommodate the parishioners' different work schedule. Food has also become an integral part of this gathering, especially to those nostalgic to the ambrosial delicacies of the Filipino cuisine.
Presided by Father Diosmar Natad, we would like to invite you to take part in this tradition of Filipino Catholicism and food, one that unites a country of seven thousand islands and three hundred dialects. This is truly an advent celebration of UNITY IN DIVERSITY!
Please bring a dish or two to share for the potluck dinner after the mass. Our famous Lechon will be served! Filipiniana & Barong attire are encouraged.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St. Josephs Catholic Church, 958 Epps Bridge Pkwy,Athens,GA,United States
