Diocesan Resources
2015 Simbang Gabi Themes of the Archdiocese of Chicago
2015 Simbang Gabi Themes of the Archdiocese of Chicago
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.
The overall theme of the novena of masses this year focuses on the Jubilee Year of Mercy in solidarity with the whole Church and with the larger faith community. This overall theme, along with Pope Francis’ exhortation on Ecclesial Communities (in his book, Joy of the Gospel), inform the development of the daily Scriptural Themes of the 9-day novena of masses. The reflections and themes serve as discussion points for host-parish planning teams as they reflect on the evangelization and inculturation concerns of Filipino Americans and other culture groups in the practice of their faith. Each host parish is strongly encouraged to incorporate the Scriptural Theme of the day of their Simbang Gabi in planning their celebration.