LOS ANGELES, California - Parols, singing priests, and Philippine attire. It’s the countdown to Christmas in Los Angeles.
About 2,000 Filipinos from all over southern California kicked off Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles. From now until Christmas eve, Catholic Filipinos will be going to church every night, sometimes during the late evening.
“It’s our culture and tradition over there so I’m reminded and I’m very much happy,” explained Feli Emmons of the Bukas Loob Sa Diyos Prayer Group.
Liberty Unciano added, “It’s a Filipino tradition. We always do it every year, all 9 days, at 5 o’clock in the morning.”
Many of the faithful stopped by The Lady of Peñafrancia statue with their Christmas wishes. With this year’s theme of family and being together, many of them prayed for each other's well-being.
Ana Duenas prayed for good health, good jobs, and good business.
“Mama Mary always listens to our prayers. She’s a mother to us,” she explained.
The Anunciacion family has a son deployed in Kuwait who will spend the holidays on military duty. They are praying that he comes home soon.
Susan Anunciacion said, “I guess war would be over soon. I have an older son who’s in the military serving overseas, so I’m praying for them, and praying for their safe return. “
Simbang Gabi has become one of the biggest yearly events at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles since the downtown church first opened in 2002.
This year's Simbang Gabi, though, marks the last one for Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, a priest well-liked by the Filipino community.
Mahony will be retiring next year.
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