Simbang Gabi is a beloved tradition among Filipino Catholics that prepares us for the joyous Christmas feast.
This devotion honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and symbolizes the nine months she carried Jesus in her womb.
The Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of St. Augustine helps organize nine consecutive evenings of Masses held at various parishes throughout the diocese from Dec. 15-23, fostering a spirit of Advent that emphasizes both individual and communal preparation.
Each day strives to strengthen the community bonds as the ministry and local Catholics unite in worship and prayer, sharing the joy of anticipation while preparing their hearts for the miraculous birth of Jesus.
Every Mass begins at 7 p.m. with Masses taking place at the same time but at two different locations in the diocese on all but two of the nine nights.
The two nights that will have one Mass will be on the opening night at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 11757 Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville, and the closing night at St. Catherine of Siena, located at 1649 Kingsley Ave. in Orange Park.
Other churches taking part in this year’s celebration that will host a Mass on one of the nine days include, Sacred Heart, Christ the King, St. Matthew, Blessed Trinity, Most Holy Redeemer, Holy Spirit, Resurrection, Mary, Queen of Heaven, and St. John the Baptist, all located in Jacksonville; St. John Paul II in Ponte Vedra; San Juan Del Rio in St. Johns; Epiphany in Lake City; St. Luke in Middleburg; St. Paul’s in Jacksonville Beach.
For more information, contact Efren Dobleo, president of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of St. Augustine, by emailing FMDOSA.FilMinDioceseOFStAug@gmail.com.
Click here for a complete Mass schedule.
