Geneva Observes Filipino Tradition of Simbang Gabi

Left photo: Mr. and Mrs. Cresenciano Erpe of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations light the candles for the observance of the Day 4 of the Simbang Gabi.  Right photo:  Members of the Filipino community in Geneva attend the Simbang Gabi.

21 December 2017 GENEVA — In the true spirit of the Yuletide season, members of the Filipino Catholic community in Geneva have started flocking St. John XXIII Parish Church beginning December 15 for the traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi.

The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva is one of the co-sponsors of the Simbang Gabi in Geneva. 

"Simbang Gabi is one of the most enduring religious traditions of Filipinos.  Wherever they are, Filipinos always find a way to celebrate Christmas and give thanks for the blessings they received for the year," said Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Offices in Geneva. 

Various Filipino communities have come in droves to attend the evening mass co-celebrated by Filipino priests, Rev. Fathers Wenifredo Villareal Padilla III and Romualdo Cabanatan, Jr. 

Also known as Misa de Aguinaldo, Simbang Gabi is a series of nine dawn masses that begins on December 16 and ends on the midnight of December 24. It was first introduced by Spanish friars to allow farmers to hear mass before going to the fields early in the morning. Through the years, Filipino communities have introduced changes in the way this tradition is observed. Today, urban parishes celebrate Misa de Aguinaldo in the evening to accommodate the needs of the members of the community who have different work schedules.

Shortly after mass, churchgoers can partake of traditional delicacies, to include popular favorites such as bibingka, puto bumbong, suman sa ibos, that are usually served with hot coffee or tea. END

For more information, visit www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/genevapcg.