SEATTLE – People from 65 parishes processed into St. James Cathedral Dec. 10 carrying colorful banners and handmade parols, star-shaped lanterns representing the star that led the Magi to the infant Jesus.

The occasion was the archdiocese’s 25th Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Paul D. Etienne.

Simbang Gabi (Filipino for “Night Mass”) is the Filipino tradition of nine days of Masses celebrated in anticipation of Christmas and in honor of Mary. After the Dec. 10 Mass at the cathedral, parishes around the archdiocese are hosting their own Simbang Gabi Masses to continue the prayerful celebration. (See box for details.)

During the Mass, the parish coordinators, carrying their parols, gathered around the altar for a commissioning and blessing by Archbishop Etienne. He first asked them a series of questions, including: “Are you prepared to take your parol, the symbol of the light of Christ, and share it with your parish community?”

“We are,” they responded.

Bestowing his blessing, the archbishop prayed that the coordinators be “messengers of salvation and mercy, peace and light. May they spread the light of Christ during these holy days of Advent and every day of their lives.”

Archbishop Etienne expressed his appreciation for the Filipino community continuing to keep its cultural faith traditions alive.

“You are a great example and presence of a vibrant faith community within the broader local church,” the archbishop said. “For your faith, I thank you and encourage you to continue to live that faith and to pass it down to the next generations.”

Below are some scenes from the Mass. (All photos are by Stephen Brashear.)

Above and below: Representatives of 65 parishes carried parols and banners in the entry procession for the Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral Dec. 10. (Stephen Brashear)


Parish representatives hold handmade parols during the Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass Dec. 10 (Stephen Brashear)
A blue parol from St. John Bosco Parish in Lakewood is among those brought to the Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass Dec. 10. The parish will host its Simbang Gabi Mass at 7 p.m. Dec. 13. (Stephen Brashear)
Parish representatives capture the joy of the Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral Dec. 10. (Stephen Brashear) 

Simbang Gabi celebrations at local parishes

Parishes around the archdiocese are celebrating Simbang Gabi Masses between now and Christmas Eve.

Nine consecutive days of Masses will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Vancouver from Dec. 15-23 (see times here) and at St. Mary Parish in Marysville from Dec. 16-24 (6 a.m. each day).

Parishes in the Pierce Deanery are also celebrating nine days of Masses that began Dec. 11 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven and continue through Dec. 19. Other parishes and times are:

  • St. Charles Borromeo, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.
  • St. John Bosco, Lakewood, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
  • St. Aloysius Chapel at Bellarmine Prep, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
  • Holy Cross, Tacoma, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
  • St. Andrew, Sumner, Dec. 16, 7 p.m. (also livestreamed)
  • All Saints, Puyallup, Dec. 17, 5 p.m.
  • St. Leo, Tacoma, Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m.
  • Pope St. John the XXIII, Tacoma, 7 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Simbang Gabi Masses will also be celebrated on these dates at various parishes:

Dec. 15

  • St. Anthony, Renton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17

  • Immaculate Conception, Mount Vernon, 5 p.m.
  • Mary, Queen of Peace, Sammamish, 5 p.m.
  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Bothell, 5 p.m.
  • St. John Vianney, Kirkland, 5 p.m.
  • St. Matthew, Seattle, 5 p.m.
  • St. Vincent de Paul, Federal Way, 5 p.m.

Dec. 18

  • St. Edward, Seattle, 10:30 a.m.
  • St. Mary Magdalen, Everett, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 19

  • St. Pius X, Mountlake Terrace, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21-23

  • St. Theresa, Federal Way, 6 p.m. each day