In the Margins: Light the Paról

What is it? Simbáng Gabí is a Filipino tradition which emerged in the 15th century. It has origins in the Spanish Colonial history of the Philippines, but eventually came to encompass a nine-day novena celebrated at 4 a.m. during the days leading up to Christmas. 

When is it? When the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was passed, a great many Filipino families immigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area, and began celebrating this holiday tradition in an American context. In the U.S.today, Simbáng Gabí is usually celebrated from December 15th to December 23rd, in the evening rather than at dawn, and often includes Mass followed by a feast.

Why we celebrate! St. Ignatius Parish has joined with the Filipino communities in our neighboring parishes, with each parish hosting one night of the novena. This new-to-us tradition unites us with the Catholic community around our city and the world. It is an opportunity to encounter significant holiday traditions that have prepared other parishes, families and the hearts of Catholics for centuries. 

What can I expect? Some of the readings and songs at the Mass will be sung in Tagalog. The celebration’s central symbol is the paról, a brightly colored star crafted from the transparent shells of Capiz oysters. (You have probably seen the paról in windows throughout San Francisco around Christmas time!) Feasting is also a very important part of any Simbáng Gabí celebration. Ours will include traditional Filipino dishes that will warm your heart as we journey through the darkest days of the year and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Maggie Warner
Director of Liturgy and Music