16 December 2016 – The nine-day Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado came to an end on the evening of December 14 with an overflowing crowd from the Filipino-American community in attendance.

On a rare occasion, no less than five Filipino priests concelebrated mass led by Main Celebrant Fr. Victor Arenas of the State Island Community. The other priests who concelebrated mass include Msgr. Oscar Aquino, Fr. Patrick Longalong, Fr. Roy Regazpi, and Fr. Don Charez.

Fifty-seven (57) Filipino community organizations served as sponsors for the different nights of the Simbang Gabi celebration. Choirs from the Tri-State area also provided music throughout the nine-day event.

For the Final night of the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc., The Junior Chamber International (JCI) or Jaycees, and the Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals joined the Philippine Consulate General as sponsors.

The Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado had a significantly high attendance record in 2016, with weekends seeing large crowds. This is a testament to the continuing importance of the Simbang Gabi tradition for the overseas migrant community. END