Mass is at 6:00 PM followed by a reception in Camerman Hall.
All are welcome!

Commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral

Saturday, December  9, 2023 @ 11AM

The San Lorenzo Ruiz Guild of OLSOS has chartered a bus to go to St. James Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 26th Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass to be presided by Archbishop Paul Etienne.  For details, please call, text or email Aida de Leon: (360) 649-5675

What is Simbang Gabi?

Simbáng Gabi (Filipino for “Night Mass”) is a devotional Novena of Masses in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Traditionally the masses are held daily from December 16–24, and occur at different times, even as early as 4:00am! It is a time of great celebration; singing of native carols, adorning your homes with colorful lanterns/decorations, and feasting.  

The original Simbang Gabi was called the “Misa de Aurea” (Golden Mass) or the “Angel’s Mass.” In 1587, Fray Diego Soria, prior of the San Augustin Convent, petitioned the Pope for permission to hold Christmastide Masses outdoors because the church could not accommodate the multitude that attended the services. The request was granted through a rescript and in the 17th Century, the Misa de Aguinaldo or the Misa de Gallo, or Simbang Gabi became a Filipino spiritual tradition. Vatican II encouraged the church in the Philippines to continue the tradition and uphold its significant role in the life of the people.

Filipino Americans brought Simbang Gabi to the United States and found it to be an effective way to stay connected to their faith. It expresses who they are as a Filipino people, and enables them to share their God-given gifts with the wider Church in the United States. Simbang Gabi draws on the leadership of the Filipino Catholics in the parishes to carry out these special gatherings and to share their religious tradition and culture with the whole parish family.