Simbang Gabi
Simbang Gabi was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish friars in the 16th century. This novena of Masses is celebrated in the early morning hours, when the roosters crow to announce the coming of the new day (hence the name, Misa de gallo) for a very practical reason - Filipinos are mainly farmers or fisherfolk who either begin or end their day at dawn. Farmers begin their work at the crack of dawn to avoid the intense heat. Fishermen who spend all night at sea, come back to shore to sell their catch. Thus the Spanish missionaries decided just before dawn was the best time to gather all the people to pray and prepare for the coming of Jesus.
The history of Simbang Gabi is all but forgotten now. But the tradition to worship and meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation; the loving appreciation for the role of Mary as the bearer of the child, Jesus; and, the fatherly love of Joseph for his family - these remain strong in the faith life of Filipinos every where in the world. The Filipino immigrants have proudly introduced this beautiful tradition to the Church in the United States. Since winter weather in most parts of the country makes it impractical to hold the Mass celebrations at dawn, local parishes have adapted the practice and celebrate Simbang Gabi in the evenings.
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Schedule
Friday, December 15
• St. Theresa, Ashburn - 7:00PM
• Blessed Sacrament, Alexandria - 7:00PM
• Queen of Apostles, Alexandria - 7:00PM
• All Saints, Manassas, 7:00PM
Saturday, December 16 (Bishop's Mass)
• Sacred Heart, Manassas - 7:00PM
Saturday, December 16
• St. Mary of Sorrows, Fairfax - 7:00PM
Sunday, December 17
• Holy Family, Dale City - 5:00PM
• St. Anthony of Padua, Falls Church - 5:30PM
• St. Louis, Alexandria - 6:00PM
Monday, December 18
• Our Lady of Good Counsel, Vienna - 7:00PM
• St. Joseph, Herndon - 7:00PM
Tuesday, December 19
• Christ the Redeemer, Sterling - 6:00PM
• Holy Spirit, Annandale - 7:00PM
Wednesday, December 20
• Nativity, Burke - 7:00PM
Thursday, December 21
• Corpus Christi, Aldie - 7:00PM
• St. Timothy, Chantilly - 7:00PM
• St. John the Apostle, Leesburg - 7:00PM
Friday, December 22
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Lake Ridge - 6:00PM
Saturday, December 23
• Good Shepherd, Alexandria - 6:00AM
• St. Bernadette, Springfield - 7:00PM
December 16-24
• St. Leo the Great, Fairfax - 5:00AM
• St. Ann, Arlington - 5:00AM