Simbang Gabi 2024: Celebrating a Filipino Christmas Tradition in the Valley of the Sun
As the holiday season approaches, the Filipino Catholic community in Arizona is preparing to celebrate one of its most cherished traditions: Simbang Gabi. This year marks a significant milestone as the Diocese of Phoenix hosts its first-ever diocesan-wide Simbang Gabi celebration, bringing together the faithful from all corners of the Valley in a unified display of faith and culture.
What is Simbang Gabi?
Simbang Gabi, which translates to “Night Mass” in Filipino, is a nine-day series of evening masses leading up to Christmas Day. Traditionally held from December 16 to December 24, this devotional practice is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and spirituality. Families come together in the evenings to attend mass, offering prayers and thanksgiving while spiritually preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ.
This tradition, dating back to the 17th century during Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, has become a hallmark of Filipino Christmas celebrations. It is a time of cultural bonding and fellowship, strengthening community ties and reinforcing shared values and beliefs.
A Unified Arizona Filipino Community Celebration
On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the Filipino Catholic community will converge at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix for an evening of worship, tradition, and fellowship. This marks a departure from previous years, where individual parishes held separate services.
Event Schedule (4pm-8pm):
- 4:00 PM – Assembly: Attendees will gather at the outdoor plaza between the Diocese Pastoral Center and the Basilica, located at 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. This is a time to socialize and prepare for the evening’s festivities.
- 5:00 PM – Parade of Lanterns: A procession featuring 15 illuminated parols representing various Filipino communities and organizations. The parade will be accompanied by Christmas carols performed by different groups, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- 6:00 PM – Simbang Gabi Mass: Bishop John Dolan, along with Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares and Filipino priests from across Phoenix, will preside over the mass inside the Basilica. The service will include the commissioning of parish leaders and parishes participating in the subsequent novena masses.
- 7:00 PM – Reception: Following the mass, a reception will be held at the Basilica Hall.
Recommended: Traditional Filipiniana Attire / Warm Dress for Outdoor Activities.
Nearby Valley Metro Light Rail Stops
- 3rd St/Washington (6 Min Walk) – Map & Directions
- Van Buren/Central Ave (7 Min Walk) – Map & Directions
Parking Information
Free parking is available for parishioners and visitors attending Mass and sponsored events at St. Mary’s Basilica. The parking garage is located on 5th Street between Van Buren Street and Monroe Street (Convention Center North Garage). Please allow extra time for parking due to the expected large attendance.
Participating Parishes for the Novena Masses (December 16-24):
After the grand kickoff at St. Mary’s Basilica, the Simbang Gabi novena masses will continue at various parishes across the Valley:
- Our Lady of the Valley Parish (December 16-24)
Address: 3220 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85053 / Mass Time: 7:00 PM - Corpus Christi Parish (December 16-23)
Address: 3550 E. Knox Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85044 / Mass Time: 7:00 PM - All Saints Catholic Church (December 16-23)
Address: 1534 N. Recker Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205 / Mass Time: 6:30 PM - St. Thomas Aquinas (December 16-23)
Address: 13720 W. Thomas Rd., Avondale, AZ 85392 / Mass Time: 7:00 PM - St. Juan Diego (December 16-23)
Address: 3200 S. Cooper Rd., Chandler, AZ 85286 / Mass Time: 6:30 PM - St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (December 16-23)
Address: 2825 W. Rose Canyon Cir., Anthem, AZ 85086 / Mass Time: 7:00 PM
Each parish will host masses filled with Filipino hymns and traditions, providing an opportunity for the community to come together in spiritual preparation for Christmas.
This year’s Simbang Gabi promises to be a memorable event, uniting the faithful in celebration and reflection. The shared joys and hopes that bind the community are especially evident during this season. This beautiful tradition illuminates the true essence of the Christmas season.