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Simbang Gabi helps families keep traditions from their homeland

Elizabeth A. Elliott | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

Bianca (front) and Cielo Leech bring gifts of fruit and flowers to the altar before the Simbang Gabi Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna Dec. 15. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

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Youths participate in the panuluyan, a tradition that depicts Mary and Joseph searching for an inn for Simbang Gabi at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna Dec. 15. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

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The parol, a star that symbolizes the one that led the Magi to Christ, is placed on the altar at for Simbang Gabi at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna Dec. 15. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

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Father Thomas P. Ferguson, vicar general
and pastor of Good Shepherd Church in Alexandria, opened the diocesan
Simbang Gabi
celebration with Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna Dec.
15. Mass was concelebrated by Oblate Father John Dolan, Oblate Father William
J. Metzger and Missionhurst Father Celso Tabalanza.

Before Mass began, the Leech family carried traditional offerings
to the altar, including rice, flowers, fruits and a parol, or Christmas
lantern.

“Even though I’m second-generation Filipino, I would like my
children to grow up in the Filipino tradition,” said Cielo Leech. “We
have a mixed marriage and I would like them also to be aware of my heritage and
customs.”

Her husband, Brent, said it means a lot to their children to
participate in his wife’s culture. “This is a nice way to make sure they
understand they come from more than one place,” he said.

Leah Roa, a member of the Filipino community at Our Lady of Good
Counsel, said Simbang Gabi is a good way to get families together. “Communities
around the United States are sharing the faith tradition,” she said. “A lot of
families don’t want to lose the traditions from back home especially for the
children to learn about Filipino faith traditions.”

During his homily, Father Ferguson highlighted the significance
of each item that is brought forth in a Mass. The parol is a star that
symbolizes the one that led the Magi to Christ. The rice symbolizes the
Filipinos faith, family and church community; fruits symbolize good harvest;
and flowers represent joy and appreciation for the life of Jesus.

The music was in Tagalog, the official language of the
Philippines, and provided by Serenata, the Fil/Am Community Music Ministry.
Marialena Faria led the music.  

The salu-salo, a reception
following Mass, included several traditional foods, including lumpia, a type of
spring roll; pancit, a noodle dish; rice; fish and other meats.

When everyone finished eating, the children of the Filipino-American
community put on a play — the panuluyan, similar to the Mexican posadas
tradition that depicts Mary and Joseph searching for room at an inn. Youths
took on the roles of Mary and Joseph, St. Luke, innkeepers, shepherds and
others. The panuluyan traditionally takes place on Christmas in the
Philippines.

Simbang Gabi has been around since the 16th century when Spanish
friars introduced the nine-day novena to the Philippines. The novena prepares
for the birth of Christ. More than 35 Masses will be celebrated throughout the
diocese in the mornings and evenings.

Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde is scheduled to celebrate Mass at
St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church Dec. 19.

The novena concludes with Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church in
Arlington Dec. 24 at 5 a.m.

 

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