29 December 2014 – The Bay Area began the simbang gabi masses leading up to Christmas Day through a commissioning mass held at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption on December 03. The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Bernardito “Barney” Cleopas Auza, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York.

In his homily, Archbishop Barney said that the word “commissioning” comes from the word mission, which is also the root word of missionary.  He reminded the congregation that each of the 1.2 billion Catholics are commissioned to preach the Gospel and tell the world of the birth of Jesus Christ.

He added that the Christmas parol symbolizes the Star of David, which showed the path that led to the Child Jesus.  The parol, then, should serve as a reminder to every Filipino to be the light to other people that would bring them to Jesus Christ. He encouraged all the representatives of the parishes who will be celebrating simbang gabi masses to take to heart the mission of evangelization, which should be done with zeal and conviction, and also stressed the need to cultivate Filipino social values so that the next generation of Filipino-Americans will continue to appreciate Philippine traditions.

Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon read one of the intercessory prayers, while the family of Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., Mrs. Mariza Bensurto, and their son Matthew, took part in the Offertory procession.

Simbang Gabi masses were first celebrated in San Francisco in 1996.  This year, 34 parishes around the San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo Counties are holding Simbang Gabi masses.

The commissioning culminated in a reception, where the St. Thomas More choir serenaded guests with Filipino Christmas carols.  END