“Simbang Gabi” (literally “Night Mass”) in Saipan will mark its 40th year in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa this month. Officers and members of the Simbang Gabi Group is spearheading this historical event for the Filipinos in Saipan by inviting the Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Luis Antonio “Chito” G. Tagle, DD.
It was in 1977 that the Filipino Association of the Northern Marianas Islands, Inc. (Fanmi) was established in CNMI. Under the leadership of Jorge M. Manalili and Nick B. Loste that the very first Simbang Gabi was launched at Mt. Carmel Church in Chalan Kanoa and with the guidance of Fr. Rolando Timbre, who was one of the Filipino priests assigned in Chalan Kanoa.
This endeavor was a response to the spiritual needs of many Filipino workers in the CNMI who longed to be in touch with the traditional roots of their faith in preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
Simbáng Gabi is a devotional nine-day series of Masses practiced by Filipino Catholics in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass usually begins at four o’clock in the morning. Pope Sixtus V ordered that Mass be heard before sunrise since it was the harvest season, and the farmers needed to be in the fields right after the celebration.
The Simbang Gabi originated in the early days of Spanish rule over the Philippines as a practical compromise for farmers, who began work before sunrise to avoid the noonday heat out in the fields. It began in 1669. Priests began to say Mass in the early mornings instead of the evening novenas more common in the rest of the Hispanic world. This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and became a symbol of sharing.
Today, anticipated Simbáng Gabi is available, especially in urban areas. White is the liturgical colour authorised solely for Masses celebrated within the context of the novena; violet is used for any other Masses said during the day, as these are still considered part of the Advent season.
A well-known folk belief among the Filipinos is that if a devotee completed all nine days of the Simbáng Gabi, a request made as part of the novena may be granted.
Filipinos celebrate this Mass with great solemnity and the Gloria is sung. Simbang Gabi is also celebrated in malls. Recently, however, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle discouraged the celebration of the Mass at malls, except when a mall has its own chapel.
Malou Mendoza, the current president of the Simbang Gabi Group is very excited and happy to celebrate the 40th year of this rich Filipino tradition here in Saipan. In coordination with Bishop Ryan, they invited Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle to be the special guest for the occasion.
Cardinal Tagle, a humble yet very spiritual and energetic speaker and preacher will be in Saipan on December 16th and 17th. Bishop Ryan invited him to do a talk at Mt. Carmel Cathedral to the clergy, religious, parish lay ministers and volunteers on Saturday evening.
On Sunday, December 17th, he will preside the Simbang Gabi Mass at the cathedral at 4 AM as well as the regular 6 AM Mass. Everyone is invited to participate.
