Filipino community devotes Simbang Gabi to typhoon recovery
SALT LAKE CITY — The Misang Bayan Filipino Catholic community will share its traditional Simbang Gabi novena of Advent Masses at nine different parishes throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23.
Simbang Gabi is the Tagalog name for the traditional novena of Masses leading up to Christmas traditionally practiced in the Philippines in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This year’s theme, "Fraternity, the Way to Peace and Unity," is in line with Pope Francis’ theme for the celebration of Day of Peace on Jan. 1, said Raul Yumul, Simbang Gabi coordinator.
"Fraternity is the foundation and pathway to peace," said Yumul. "As called for by the Vatican doctrine on inculturation, this tradition is our way of sharing the longest existing Filipino Catholic tradition that has been celebrated for more than 400 years in the Philippines. During the last 35 years, it has spread all over the world."
The recent devastation and loss of lives in the Philippines from Super Typhoon Haiyan has brought a special meaning to the intentions of this year’s novena for many in the Philippines and abroad.
Many will be devoting their special intentions to those in the Philippines who were affected by the typhoon, said Christel Mendoza, who arrived in Bountiful, Utah from Manila on Oct. 15 for a six-week visit with relatives.
Watching the news about Super Typhoon Haiyan brings tears to Mendoza’s eyes, she said. "Even though I don’t know anyone who suffered, it’s really pitiful. All I can do is pray to encourage my fellow Filipinos while I am here. Who would have known that it would happen, especially this close to Christmas, the most celebrated season in the Philippines? Maybe this is a way for God to enable us to show more compassion toward each other and show our Filipino spirit of hospitality especially during the Simbang Gabi."
The Simbang Gabi celebrates camaraderie as well as the spirit of Christmas, said Mendoza. "We have Mass and then afterward eat all sorts of traditional Filipino food that is usually available only during the Christmas season. We experience how it is to be with family and friends and getting together with community, with strangers, because it only comes once a year."
A Filipino custom following the completion of the novena is "that you are entitled to a wish," said Mendoza. "I’m sure many Filipinos will be gathering together to pray because we have a lot of wishes that we want to be granted for our fellow Filipinos as a result of the typhoon, and we want to show our support, even just by gathering together."
Remy Tolentino-Machon, a member of Saint Patrick Parish, will devote her novena to her family as she gathers with them during the nine days, and also pray for those in the Philippines.
"There were so many lives lost in the Philippines and we are realizing now how much we need people from different countries to help us," said Tolentino-Machon, who will offer a thanksgiving Mass on the second day of the Simbang Gabi for her family, especially her brother, who was born on Dec. 16.
"That Mass is always so special to me," she said.
The schedule for the nine Simbang Gabi Masses follows.
Dec. 15: 6 p.m. St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, 7828 Allen St., Midvale
Dec. 16: 7 p.m. St. Patrick Parish, 1040 West 400 South, SLC
Dec. 17: 7 p.m. St. John the Baptist Parish, 300 East 11800 South, Draper
Dec. 18: 7 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 1375 E Spring Lane, SLC
Dec. 19: 6:30 p.m. St. Martin de Porres Parish, 4914 South 2200 West, Taylorsville
Dec 20: 7 p.m. St. Mary Parish, 4050 South 3900 West, West Haven
Dec 21: 6 p.m. St. Lawrence Mission, 5 South 100 West, Heber
Dec 22: 7 p.m. St. Ambrose Parish 2315 Redondo Ave., SLC
Dec 23: 7 p.m. Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1745 East 9800 South, Sandy
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