UPDATED: Bishop joins in Simbang Gabi celebration in Howell
December 17, 2023 at 4:35 p.m.
For more than two decades, the enduring Filipino Advent tradition of Simbang Gabi – a nine-day novena of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ – has unfolded seamlessly in coordinated diocesan-wide observances.
PHOTO GALLERY: Simbang Gabi in St. Veronica Parish, Howell
For more than two decades, the enduring Filipino Advent tradition of Simbang Gabi – a nine-day novena of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ – has unfolded seamlessly in coordinated diocesan-wide observances.
This year, Simbang Gabi, with its focus on gathering the community together in prayer and devotion, was held in some 30 parishes throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties from Dec. 2 to Dec. 23.
In a true spirit of celebration, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined with the Filipino American Catholic Community of Monmouth County for their observance of Simbang Gabi, Dec. 17 in St. Veronica Parish, Howell, where he celebrated the Mass, for the Third Sunday of Advent then joined the parishioners for a festive celebration, complete with Filipino cuisine and dancing.
“It is always an honor and a blessing for us to have Bishop O’Connell at our Masses and celebrations,” said Father Peter James Alindogan, St. Veronica pastor. “His liturgical presence is an inspiration to our parishioners being the chief shepherd of our Diocese. He has a very warm, truly down to earn and welcoming personality that endears him to people of all ages.”
Father Alindogan pointed out that St. Veronica Parish and Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, host their own Simbang Gabi celebrations, whereas the majority of other parishes collaborate on their celebrations in their respective counties. During the novena, St. Veronica’s holds their Simbang Gabi Masses at 6 a.m. while Sacred Heart Parish holds their Mass at 7 p.m.
Father Alindogan remarked on how Simbang Gabi, which is translated as Evening Mass in Tagalog, fosters a sacrificial preparation for Christmas and it also fortifies “a spirituality centered on family, community and giving.
“Simbang Gabi sets us up for the gift of the Infant Jesus,’ Father Alindogan said. “What better way to sacrifice a part of our day, especially in the early morning hours, to pray a novena for the Christ Child?”
Filipino food and dancing were part of the Simbang Gabi celebration that followed in the Mass in St. Veronica Parish, Howell. In this photo, Bishop O'Connell and Father Jean Felicien, secretary and master of ceremonies to the Bishop, are wearing barongs, formal Filipino dress shirts for men, while dancing the "Chicken Dance" with parishioners. Mike Ehrmann photo
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For more than two decades, the enduring Filipino Advent tradition of Simbang Gabi – a nine-day novena of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ – has unfolded seamlessly in coordinated diocesan-wide observances.
PHOTO GALLERY: Simbang Gabi in St. Veronica Parish, Howell
For more than two decades, the enduring Filipino Advent tradition of Simbang Gabi – a nine-day novena of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ – has unfolded seamlessly in coordinated diocesan-wide observances.
This year, Simbang Gabi, with its focus on gathering the community together in prayer and devotion, was held in some 30 parishes throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties from Dec. 2 to Dec. 23.
In a true spirit of celebration, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined with the Filipino American Catholic Community of Monmouth County for their observance of Simbang Gabi, Dec. 17 in St. Veronica Parish, Howell, where he celebrated the Mass, for the Third Sunday of Advent then joined the parishioners for a festive celebration, complete with Filipino cuisine and dancing.
“It is always an honor and a blessing for us to have Bishop O’Connell at our Masses and celebrations,” said Father Peter James Alindogan, St. Veronica pastor. “His liturgical presence is an inspiration to our parishioners being the chief shepherd of our Diocese. He has a very warm, truly down to earn and welcoming personality that endears him to people of all ages.”
Father Alindogan pointed out that St. Veronica Parish and Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, host their own Simbang Gabi celebrations, whereas the majority of other parishes collaborate on their celebrations in their respective counties. During the novena, St. Veronica’s holds their Simbang Gabi Masses at 6 a.m. while Sacred Heart Parish holds their Mass at 7 p.m.
Father Alindogan remarked on how Simbang Gabi, which is translated as Evening Mass in Tagalog, fosters a sacrificial preparation for Christmas and it also fortifies “a spirituality centered on family, community and giving.
“Simbang Gabi sets us up for the gift of the Infant Jesus,’ Father Alindogan said. “What better way to sacrifice a part of our day, especially in the early morning hours, to pray a novena for the Christ Child?”
Filipino food and dancing were part of the Simbang Gabi celebration that followed in the Mass in St. Veronica Parish, Howell. In this photo, Bishop O'Connell and Father Jean Felicien, secretary and master of ceremonies to the Bishop, are wearing barongs, formal Filipino dress shirts for men, while dancing the "Chicken Dance" with parishioners. Mike Ehrmann photo