Celebration rescheduled to take place outside at 4 p.m. on Dec. 16

FALW

Simbang Gabi is a Filipino traditional nine-day series devotion of holy masses practiced by the Filipino Roman Catholics to pave the way in anticipation for the coming of Christmas honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and the birth of her son, Jesus Christ.

The nine-day holiday is from Dec. 16-24. After each mass, devotees are greeted with a variety of snacks sold outside the church. Most common is the puto (rice cakes), puto bumbong, hot chocolate, salabat (ginger tea). Usually the Christmas season in the Philippines ends in the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6.

Fr. Juan Caboboy, pastor of Holy Family Church of Leisure World and spiritual adviser for FALW, will celebrate the Mass in front of the church on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m. Due to coronavirus limitations, Mass is limited to 100 people. Attendees are reminded to bring a chair and to dress properly for the cold climate.

Those who want to attend the Holy Mass must call and make a reservation. It will be first call, first seated, no exemptions. Even members of FALW must call if they want to attend the Holy Mass.

Reception will be served after the mass on a to-go basis. It will be first call, first seated, no exemptions. For reservations, call Dove Sonza at (562) 477-5541, Aida Jose at (201) 566-3184 or Ren Villnueva at (562) 493-1406.