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Simbang Gabi Advent Novena
On Wednesday December 15 at 7pm Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will kick off its nine-day Simbang Gabi Advent Novena as part of parish preparations for the Christmas season.
Simbang Gabi, or "Evening Mass", has been an integral part of the Filipino culture since the coming of Catholic missionaries to the Philippines from Spain centuries ago. Working fisherman and farmers would be called to pre-dawn Mass by the ringing of the Church bells, guided by hand-made lanterns lit by candles. To recall this the Filipino community of IHM will be decorating the Church with lanterns hand-crafted by the children of the parish, depicting religious themes and festooned with garlands.
Each evening through Novena close on Thursday December 23 will begin at 7pm with a recitation of the Rosary in the Main Church. An opportunity will be provided for spiritual Reconciliation, followed by a celebration of the Mass.
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Each evening will close with fellowship and light refreshments in the Fr. Byrne Auditorium downstairs.
All are welcome and there is no charge.
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The Novena is being coordinated under the auspices of IHM's Filipino-American Working Committee.