Diocesan Resources
2015 Simbang Gabi 30th Anniversary Schedule Archdiocese of Chicago (2015)
2015 Simbang Gabi 30th Anniversary Schedule Archdiocese of Chicago
Our host parishes and the Filipino community of the Archdiocese of Chicago cordially invite you, your relatives & friends to join us in our inter-parish celebration of Simbang Gabi, a novena of masses in preparation for Christmas. For more information: call the Parish or visit www.illinoisac.org.
30th Anniversary Simbang Gabi Celebration: December 15-23, 2015
The Archdiocese of Chicago, through the Dept. of Parish Life and Formation and participating host parishes, coordinates the yearly inter-parish celebrations of Simbang Gabi. This unique Filipino tradition of a nine-day novena of Marian masses before Christmas has become a source of joy and anticipation for more than 70 parishes in Lake and Cook Counties. The nine masses follow the liturgy of votive masses in honor of the expectant Mother of God. Simbang Gabi masses are celebrated as festive masses (except those scheduled as anticipated or Sunday masses) – the Gloria is sung and the color of vestments is white, not purple of Advent. The texts of the masses are those of the votive masses for Mary “tempore adventus” (In Advent). This multicultural parish community celebration shares a rich Filipino tradition with the whole Church and has become a catalyst for evangelization and continued call to mission.