Passing on tradition
Because dawn comes so late in the day in Alaska, Filipinos and other Catholics in the Archdiocese celebrate Simbang Gabi in the evening, at various churches around Anchorage.
“At each church during the Masses we have the parols, or electric star lamps which resemble the star that the three wise men followed,” Jones explained.
After each Mass, participants gather to share traditional food from the Philippines.
“A lot of young people go to Simbang Gabi,” Jones said. She added that she likes the fact that youth participate in the novena, because it is also a way to preserve Filipino culture.
“A lot of young people from the Philippines are Americanized,” she said. “So this is important because it allows young people to go back to traditions.”
Father Torreto agreed with Jones, but was quick to add that all Alaskans, not just Filipinos, are invited to participate in Simbang Gabi.
“We are hoping that this Filipino religious tradition will promote an appreciation among Alaskans that even though we are not in the Philippines … we keep our religious traditions,” he said and, “We are all in this Advent season, joyfully awaiting the birth of our Savior.”
To that end, Father Torreto encourages all Catholics to participate in the novena. He pointed out that the Mass is celebrated in English.
Jones also encouraged participation in the nine days of Masses and festivities.
“I think this tradition will grow. I think it will become bigger and bigger,” she said. “I definitely want to celebrate it and continue to pass it along.”
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This year, the tradition will start on Dec. 15, with Mass at Holy Family Cathedral at 6 p.m. Throughout the nine days, Masses will rotate throughout the parishes in the Anchorage bowl, concluding with a special Mass at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Dec. 23.
Father Jaime Mencias will hold a special novena for those who live in the Mat-Su Valley.
Printed with permission from Catholicanchor.org.