FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE year, the Filipino community at La Purísima Catholic Church in Orange celebrated Simbang Gabi, a traditional Novena of Masses that spiritually prepares parishioners for the birth of Christ.
For nine days, from Dec. 15 to 23, approximately 40 participants will gather at 6:30 a.m. to observe the Mass at La Purísima. Each service is followed by a reception and communal breakfast. “Simbang Gabi is a cherished Filipino Catholic tradition that dates back to the 1600s,” said Fr. Martin Nguyen, pastor at La Purísima. “At our parish, we partake in this meaningful custom by gathering each day for the Novena Mass, focusing on three key themes: preparing for Christ’s arrival, persevering in faith and community, and celebrating God’s promise fulfilled through the Incarnation.”
GUESTS FROM ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH, GERTRUDE (LEFT) AND ELVIE HAWK (STANDING). ON THE RIGHT IS DR. CONNIE DEL MUNDO ONE OF THE SPONSORS WHO DONATED THE LECHON. PHOTO COURTESY OF GIE LUNDY
“Simbang Gabi began in the Philippines in 1669 during the Spanish colonial era,” explained La Purísima parishioner Ben Barrett. “It was a compromise for farmers who worked in the fields before sunrise, so priests held Mass in the early morning, which was later known as Misa de Gallo or ‘rooster’s Mass.’”
The Tagalog term ‘Simbang Gabi’ translates to ‘Night Mass,’ and the times at which Mass can be held varies, from as early as 2:30 a.m. to as late as midnight. In 2019, a Simbang Gabi service was led by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a significant moment for Philippine culture, as it was the first time that the Mass was presided by a pope. With a history of over 300 years, the Simbang Gabi has become a highly anticipated and cherished Christmastime custom for Filipinos around the world.
COMMUNITY RECEPTION SPONSORS MIMIE AND ANNIE BAUTISTA.
The La Purísima community is no exception, and their observance of the Novena over the past three years has only increased in terms of fellowship opportunities, spiritual significance and prominence as an event.
“When the communities of La Purísima became aware of this unique Filipino tradition, they saw how it combines a spiritual journey with a joyful, social celebration of faith and family, complete with unique delicacies and Filipino music,” said Barrett.
“Our community first began observing Simbang Gabi in a single day,” said Gie Lundy, La Purísima’s Filipino community coordinator. “It was through the encouragement of our pastor, Fr. Martin Nguyen, that we embraced the full nine day celebration.”
“For Filipinos, it is a deeply important tradition that signifies the start of the Christmas season,” said Barrett. “It strengthens community bonds through shared faith and food and helps immigrants feel connected to their cultural roots.”
GIE LUNDY WITH GUESTS REBECCA TAMONDONG (STANDING) FROM ST. MARTIN DE PORRES PARISH IN YORBA LINDA AND GIGI INIGO (RIGHT), PRESIDENT OF “STYLE YOUR TRIP” PILGRIMAGES TO THE HOLY LAND, VATICAN AND OTHER RELIGIOUS PLACES.
Lundy described how breakfast after Mass features traditional Filipino dishes, such as adobo, longanisa, beef tapa, arroz caldo and embutido. Cultural desserts at the celebration might include suman, bibingka, cassava, ensaimada or pan de sal.
Last year’s Novena concluded with a particularly special meal, as Lundy highlighted how one of the members, Dr. Connie del Mundo, “generously donated a lechon (roasted pig) for everyone to share.”
This tight-knit and fellowship-oriented approach highlights La Purísima’s strong community as it celebrates Simbang Gabi. A special committee is formed for the event’s duration that assigns roles to members and coordinates the various requirements for the Novena.
All come together to facilitate the events, and two families sponsor and prepare the meals that are served each day. The work is done by volunteers and is crucial to ensure that everyone can enjoy food, music, fellowship and a shared faith.
“For our community, fellowship means being a family of believers who show up for one another, not just in good times but also in hardships,” Barrett explained. “It means sharing meals (potlucks), singing and dancing, offering support and praying together. It binds us together in a common purpose, reflecting the unity that comes from being united with Christ and each other.”
She added: “Our Simbang Gabi celebrations are very famous for the food we serve and the entertainment we provide,” Barrett said. “We are looking forward to increase in attendance and increased participation of various La Purísima communities.”
“What moves me most about this Simbang Gabi celebration is witnessing the faith and joy in our community,” said Fr. Nguyen. “People come faithfully, carrying prayers, hopes, exhaustion and gratitude. Some arrive with sleepy children; others quietly carry unseen burdens. Yet, all show deep devotion. Each time, I think: This is what a parish family looks like.”
The Filipino community of La Purísima extends an open invite to join them in cultural and traditional celebration during this year’s Simbang Gabi. Participants can experience, as Lundy described, the “joy and fellowship that fill these mornings.”
La Purísima Catholic Church is located at 11712 N. Hewes St. in Orange. The Simbang Gabi Novena Mass for 2025 will begin every day at 6:30 a.m. through Dec. 23, and the community reception meals occur afterward in the Faith and Family Center.