Simbang Gabi 2015 focuses on stewardship and the family

The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is preparing to celebrate Simbang Gabi at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles.

This year’s theme, “Jesus, Our Savior, Empower Our Families to be Better Stewards of Your Creation” (“Hesus, Aming Tagapagligtas, Bigyan Mo ng Kapangyarihan ang Aming Pamilya na Maging Mas Mahusay na Tagapangalaga ng Iyong Nilikha”) was selected and agreed upon by parish representatives from all over the San Fernando Pastoral Region.

Archbishop José H. Gomez, along with priests and bishops from the archdiocese, will concelebrated the Mass. The San Fernando Region organized this year’s event, with Patty Santiago and Raymond De Guzman coordinating the preparations with Father Albert H. Avenido, chaplain of the Filipino Ministry. 

The celebration will again include the procession of Parols (star lanterns) which is a tradition that Filipino faithful from different parishes, Catholic organizations, civic, government and non-governmental organizations throughout Los Angeles continue to observe and enjoy. The parols will be blessed at the conclusion of the Mass and send forth to the different parishes that will be celebrating Simbang Gabi for the next nine mornings or eight evenings leading to Christmas.

All participating parishes will have their in-parish coordinator submit their Simbang Gabi schedule for publication. Attendees to our Simbang Gabi are encouraged to wear Filipiniana to signify the beauty of our cultural tradition. Simbang Gabi is one of the longest and most powerful celebrations in the lives of Filipinos and Americans of Filipino descent.

The Filipino- American community invites everyone to participate in this joyous event, to prepare themselves spiritually for Christmas and experience community building at its best.

For more information, contact Patty Santiago, chairperson of Simbang Gabi 2015, (818) 472-4288, [email protected] or Raymond De Guzman, co-chairperson (818) 634-8664, [email protected] or Joe Arciaga, publicity and promotions chair (818) 457-8408, [email protected].