Merry CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!

Simbang Gabi-Advent Novena Masses

“In the Philippines, for centuries, there has been a novena in preparation for Christmas called Simbang Gabi, ‘Mass of the night’. During nine days the Filipino faithful gather at dawn in their parishes for a special Eucharistic celebration,” Pope Francis said as he celebrated the Simbang Gabi Mass at St. Peters Basilica during Gaudette Sunday (Dec. 2019). The Holy Father in his homily pointed out that the purpose of the Simbang Gabi celebration is “to prepare ourselves for Christmas according to the spirit of the Word of God that we have listened to, remaining constant until the Lord’s definitive coming.”  

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines states, “One of the powerful expressions of Filipino Catholic faith is the practice of novena Masses (Aguinaldo Masses, Misa de Gallo, Simbang Gabi) traditionally held at dawn from December 16 to 24. These are solemn votive Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, whom Filipinos honor with great devotion as they prepare for the festivities of Christmas” (Archbishop Romulo Valles, November 27, 2020).

In the United States, Filipino Catholics in various dioceses and local churches celebrate Simbang Gabi with ardor, deep faith, and in communion with fellow Catholics. A U.S. diocese may offer guidelines to properly celebrate the Simbang Gabi novena Masses. For example, the Archdiocese of Newark Divine Worship Office offers Questions and Answers Regarding the Practice of Simbang Gabi Masses During Advent.

To check which dioceses and parishes celebrate the Simbang Gabi, please go to the appropriate website or the USCCB listing of All Dioceses by State and search the key words Simbang Gabi. Highlighted below are some arch/diocesan Simbang Gabi celebrations, check the following hyperlinks- 

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Archdiocese of Chicago

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Archdiocese of Miami

Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Archdiocese of Mobile

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Archdiocese of San Francisco

Archdiocese of Seattle

 Archdiocese of Washington

Diocese of Arlington

Diocese of St. Augustine

Diocese of Honolulu

Diocese of Oakland

Diocese of Orlando

Diocese of Orange

Diocese of Reno

Diocese of San Diego

Diocese of San Jose

Asian and Pacific Island resources published by the USCCB



The earlier Bishops’ pastoral statement, Asian and Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith (2001) recommended the development of a series of educational materials about Asian and Pacific Island Catholics in the United States. Consequently, the USCCB statement in 2018, Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters followed up on this recommendation, and the Subcommittee continues to work hard and add more to the series “prepared for and may stem from Asian and Pacific Island communities.”

The USCCB Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs hopes these resources will help pastors, parish teams, diocesan leaders and all the faithful to welcome and integrate Asian and Pacific Islanders so that ‘as they strive to live a faith-filled life in the Catholic Church,’ an appreciation of their history and roots can bring about a renewed energy and enthusiasm for the ongoing mission of Christian witness and evangelization in the United States of America.”

Click to view the API resources.

Upcoming Events

• Catholic Social Ministry Gathering 2023 | January 28, 2023 - January 31, 2023 | Washington, DC

Save the Dates

• The 20^th anniversary of the Marian Pilgrimage, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. The event is organized by the Asian Pacific Catholic Network in collaboration with the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church. Cardinal Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington will be the main celebrant for the Mass.

• 26^th Annual National Filipino Pilgrimage, Saturday, June 24, 2023, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. Archbishop Jose Palma, Archbishop of Cebu will be the principal celebrant for the Mass. The event is sponsored by the Birhen ng Antipolo, Inc.

The Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Islanders

US Conference of Catholic Bishops | 3211 Fourth Street, NE | Washington, DC scapa@usccb.org