Filipino Advent tradition

Intermountain Catholic

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The Diocese of Salt Lake City began its Simbang Gabi novena on Dec. 16 with a Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Simbang Gabi is an Advent tradition of the Philippines. Shown celebrating the Mass are (from left) Bishop Wester; Deacon Lynn Johnson; Father Joey Frez, parochial vicar of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Kearns; and Father Eleazar Silva, parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Madeleine. The star-shaped lanterns are traditional Simbang Gabi decorations that represent the Star of Bethlehem. IC photo/Marie Mischel