Simbang Gabi Mass at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy, Texas 🇵🇭 A Filipino Tradition

Simbang Gabi Mass at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy, Texas 🇵🇭

It was a dream of Fr. Ian Balisnomo, a Filipino priest in Texas to unite the Filipinos and churches in Katy & West Houston area to relive the traditions of the Philippines and Filipino spirit of "bayanihan" especially during the season of Christmas! ❤️

That dream has become a reality!!! It started last year. This Christmas, the Fil-Am Choir of Katy and West Houston area led by JM Mercado together with his wife, Marizel prepared the songs and music for the Simbang Gabi masses that started on December 16, 2025.

Filipinos are known for resilience, resourceful, talented, hospitable, hard-working and sincere. Our Simbang Gabi masses were a success! 🇵🇭❤️ Thanks be to God in Jesus' name! All glory, honor and praise to Him! 🙏🙏🙏


Simbang Gabi, meaning "Night Mass" in Tagalog, is a cherished nine-day devotional series of Catholic Masses in the Philippines, celebrated in joyful anticipation of Christmas, typically from December 16-24.

Originally for farmers, it's also known as Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) and features early dawn Masses (or evenings now), festive lights, parol lanterns, hymns, and traditional Filipino treats like bibingka and puto bumbong after, symbolizing faith, sacrifice, community, and hopeful waiting for Jesus' birth.

Key Aspects:
Meaning: "Night Worship" or "Night Mass," though often held at dawn.
Duration: A nine-day novena, starting December 16 (or 15th for anticipated evening Masses) and ending Christmas Eve.

Origin: Introduced by Spanish friars in the 16th century, adapted for farmers to attend before fieldwork.
Cultural Significance: A major cultural event blending deep faith with Filipino warmth, community, and festive spirit.

Atmosphere: Churches are lit up, filled with music, and feature parol (star-shaped lanterns).

Traditions: Often followed by communal breakfasts or snacks (like bibingka, puto bumbong) and fellowship, turning prayer into a shared celebration.

Spiritual Goal: A spiritual preparation and offering, believed by some to grant a special prayer if all nine Masses are completed. (Credits to Google)

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