Dear friends,
We would like to bring a piece of the Philippine Christmas tradition here in Middle Tennessee. Through the initiative of the members of the Filipino Catholic Community, with support from the Philippine-American Associations throughout Tennessee, and best of all - by Father Tommy Joseph, we will be hosting and commissioning the first "Simbang Gabi" celebration at St. Joseph Church in Madison, Tn from December 16, 2012 to December 24,2012. To understand the importance and meaning this event holds for Tennessee's Filipino community and others who have come to cherish it, the history of Simbang Gabi must first be known.
In the 17th century, many Filipinos were fishermen or farmers who rose or ended their days with the dawn. To avoid the intense heat of mid-day, other laborers also began adhering to a schedule which began with the rooster’s call at crack of dawn. Due to the work schedules of the Filipino people, missionaries realized the best time to gather people together was at dawn. It was then that the missionaries introduced the devotion to the Virgin Mary, which takes place the nine days leading up to Christmas, to the Philippines. Since Mass began as early as 4:00 a.m. during these nine days, the Masses became known as the "Misa de Gallo", Spanish for Mass of the rooster. Other names associated with these Masses are "Misa de Aguinaldo", Spanish for Mass of the gift, or the "Simbang Gabi", Filipino for night Mass.
The Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi became a Filipino spiritual tradition thereafter. Vatican II encouraged the church in the Philippines to continue the tradition and uphold its significant role in the life of the people. Over the years, Simbang Gabi became a religious celebration infused with Filipino customs and food. Celebrated as a novena, nine successive days of devotion and prayer, it began on Dec. 16 and ended on Dec. 24. The Masses, which also signified the anticipation of Christ’s coming, started at dawn with church bells or Christmas carols announcing the impending services. Since it was typically dark when the churchgoers walked to Mass, people hung parols, colorful star-like lanterns made of paper and bamboo to represent the Star of Bethlehem, in their windows. Others set up belens, nativity scenes to commemorate the journey that ended with Jesus’ birth in a manger.
Once at Mass, the parishioners celebrated the liturgy with special readings, prayers, chants and panuluyan, a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph trying to find an inn for the birth of Jesus. After Mass, more festivities ensued with traditional food and drink. Delicacies such as bibingka (rice, flour and egg-based cake), puto (rice cakes), puto bungbong (steamed, purple sticky rice), sumansa pasko, suman sa ibos, hot pandesal (breakfast roll), salabat (hot ginger tea), tsokolate (hot cocoa) and coffee were set out for all to enjoy.
In traditional communities of the Philippines, Simbang Gabi has not been altered. In certain areas, however, the Mass times have been changed to accommodate the schedules of a new generation. This is also true of celebrations in the United States. Though Filipinos brought the tradition of Simbang Gabi with them, the celebrations have been slightly modified to fit in with the schedules of modern daily life in the United States.
The Tennessee Filipino Catholic Ministry's Simbang Gabi celebrations will be no exception. The dawn Masses will be replaced with nine evening services. The schedule of Masses are listed on the bottom of this page. Fr. Tommy will be our celebrant. After each Mass, we will have fellowship gathering, wherein, traditional Filipino dishes will be served and shared by all potluck style.
Though the festivities have been slightly altered, the intent is still the same. Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike will gather to experience a piece of the past, but more importantly, to mentally and spiritually prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Simbang Gabi is a wonderful opportunity to help us prepare for and wait with Mary in prayerful anticipation of the birth of her son Jesus Christ. Community leaders in other parts of the world say, that Simbang Gabi has opened doors for unity and spirituality among Filipino Americans and has kept Filipino culture alive. We also strongly believe that by bringing in Simbang Gabi to our church will be an effective way to build a community faith. People from different countries who has the same practices will join, come together and worship as one and bring along other members of the community church who are interested in learning these Christmas tradition. As we expand, we are looking forward to including other churches around us.
We are all anxious to begin this tradition in our community and we are inviting all of you to come, join us and support us. Bring your favorite Filipino dish to share for our fellowship gathering after each mass. We need ushers, lectors, liturgical ministers, singers, altar servers, and sponsors and any help/ideas to make this successful.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE SIMBANG GABI SCHEDULE:
Dec. 16 - Sun. 7:00pm
Dec. 17 - Mon. 7:00pm
Dec. 18 - Tue. 8:15pm
Dec. 19 - Wed. 6:30pm
Dec. 20 - Thu. 7:00pm
Dec. 21 - Fri. 7:30pm
Dec. 22 - Sat. 7:00pm
Dec. 23 - Sun. 7:00pm
Dec. 24 - Mon. Midnight Mass
For any inquiries: Please contact: Irene Cepnio: (615) 860-9477 or (615)500-5428
