“Simbang Gabi” is a Filipino traditional festive way of commemoration of the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s an observation usually held for nine straight nights of Masses in preparation for the Christmas Day.

What is Simbang Gabi?

It literally means “night worship”. Historically this celebration began at dawn. For this reason this practice came to be known as the “Misa de Gallo or Mass of the rooster”. With popular consensus, the celebration of Simbang Gabi has been changed it to night from dawn Mass to simply make it more accommodating and convenient to everybody.

Last December, 2008, in relation to this festivity, another very Filipino symbol of this celebration called “Parol” was commissioned at the Archdiocese of San Francisco with all the blessings and recognition coming directly from our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. It was well attended by various the Parishes in the Archdiocese. All the Parishes had their representatives holding a “Parol” participated in the Parade held in the Church. It was really a night of Pride and Gratitude from among all the Filipinos. Parols create a Filipino environment which enhances the participation in the liturgy.

Following that year, a Simbang Gabi Committee was established in the parish. This committee has worked towards extending this festive celebration to everybody at All Souls, Parishioners and non-Parishioners, Filipinos and to all.

The Committee works with Fr. Agnel De Heredia, the Pastor of All Souls, to make the necessary configurations with the days, time and venue of the Event. Simbang Gabi begins on December 15th, and concludes on December 23. Each of these days has a Simbang Gabi Mass which begins at 6:00pm in the Church. The Simbang Gabi celebration concludes with a reception following the Mass on the ninth night in the Church Hall.

Come and celebrate Simbang Gabi, a Filipino tradition of anticipating the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

All Souls Parish "Simbang Gabi" Committee Invitation

Dear Friends,

Greetings to All! On behalf of and together with the Simbang Gabi Committee of All Souls Parish We invite you to be part of this special event, called “Simbang Gabi” in celebrating the upcoming Birthday of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

The Simbang Gabi traditionally consists of nine consecutive nightly Masses. It will be held at All Souls Church from December 15th thru December 23rd @ 6pm.

There will be a Dinner reception following the last Simbang Gabi Mass of December 23rd at the Church Hall.

The Committee wishes to appeal to you to assist them financially and in whatever way you can to make this a joyful, community focused, inspiring, spiritually fulfilling and family oriented gathering very successful. We would gladly accept and encourage Individual or group petitions. There are several suggestions proposed as ways you could help them fulfill this goal. You can choose either one of the two choices or you may also generously do both.

The following opportunities are offered so that you may help the Committee:

1. Sponsor one Evening celebration - suggested donation towards this sponsorship is $100.00. We encourage multiple sponsors for each nightly Mass. The sponsorship could help defray expenses of flowers, liturgy materials and possibly music and other incidentals for the Mass. There are a few dates still open in the Church Calendar. You may pick a date on the scheduled “Simbang Gabi” evening Masses. The Mass for that evening could be offered for the intentions of the sponsor. When you call one of the committee members mentioned below, they will check and finalize with the Parish office and get back to you.

2. Donors - Donations of Cash and/or in kind are accepted. If Checks are preferred, please make it payable to “All Souls Church”. Donors will also be acknowledged.

We are very grateful to all your kind support and positive attitude to this project. Looking forward to see you and let us all together embrace this wonderful Filipino tradition of “Simbang Gabi”. Mabuhay!

Sincerely,
Fr. Agnel De Heredia
Pastor
All Souls Church
315 Walnut Ave.
So. San Francisco, CA 94080

Please contact the “Simbang Gabi Celebration Committee Members” for your response:

Nars Pacumio (650)589-3579; Ben Villa (650)588-0700; Jesus Cruz (650)954-6700; Marissa Andres (650)438-0425; Emma Chan (650)872-3948; Frank Escuro (650)871-0815

Amigos,

Saludos a Todos! En nombre del Comité Simbang Gabi de la Parroquia de All Souls. Los invitamos a participar en este evento especial, llamado "Simbang Gabi" para celebrar la comemoración del nacimiento  de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Simbang Gabi, tradicionalmente consiste de nueve Misas consecutivas por la noche. Serán celebradas en nuestro templo de All Souls, comenzando el 15 de Diciembre hasta el 23 de Diciembre a las 6:00 pm.

Habrá una Cena/recepción después de la Misa del 23 de Diciembre en el salón de la Iglesia.

El Comité les suplica a ustedes que nos ayuden en financiamiento para hacerle esta celebración una alegre, inspirada, satisfaciéndonos espiritualmente e la asamblea orientada en la familia muy exitosa.

Hay varias sugerencias propuestas de maneras de cómo podría para alcanzar nuestra meta. Usted puede elegir una de los dos maneras o con toda su generosidad, usted puede hacer los dos. Peticiones sometidas por individuo o agrupadas son aceptables.

Los siguientes son las maneras como usted puede ayudarle al Comité:

1. Patrocinar una celebración por la tarde - La donación sugerida para patrocinar es $100.00. Su patrocinio nos ayudará con los gastos de flores, materiales litúrgicos y posiblemente música y otras cosas relacionadas con la Misa. Hay unas fechas todavía abiertas en el calendario de la Iglesia. Usted puede escoger una fecha en el programa de Misas para "Simbang Gabi". La Misa escogida para la tarde podrá ser ofrecida para las intenciones del patrocinador. Cuando usted llame un miembro del comité mencionado debajo, ellos coordinaran e finalizaran su patrocinó con la oficina de la Parroquia y se le confirmara a usted.

2.Donaciones de efectivo en esencia son siempre bien recibidas. Nuestras donaciones abundantes son ofrendas e representan nuestros sacrificios e dedicación a la causa, orando para beneficio de nuestra comunidad de fe, la familia de All Souls. Estas donaciones serán reconocidas también.

Después de la novena Misa de Simbang Gabi, celebraremos con una cena. Nosotras solicitamos ayuda de cualquier cosa o manera que usted pueda para hacer el ultimo día de la celebración festiva en naturaleza, y aumentará la anticipación de la Solemnidad del Nacimiento de nuestro Señor e Salvador, Jesucristo. Agradecemos sus ideas y sugerencias. Estamos muy agradecidos y les damos gracias a todos por el apoyo y actitud positiva a este proyecto. Esperamos verlos y que todos juntos abracemos esta maravillosa tradición Filipina de "Simbang Gabi". Mabuhay!

Sinceramente,
Fr. Agnel De Heredia
Parrocco,
All Souls Church, 315 Walnut Ave.,
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Favor de llamar a los siguientes miembros del comité para celebración de Simbang Gabi por su respuesta:

Nars Pacumio (650)589-3579; Ben Villa (650)588-0700; Jesus Cruz (650)954-6700; Marissa Andres (650)438-0425; Emma Chan (650)872-3948; Frank Escuro (650)871-0815