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Local churches to celebrate a tradition from the Philippines

The United States has often been referred to as the "Great Melting Pot," a place where people from all nations come together to form something quite remarkable.

This merging of people, their customs and traditions has had an impact on the way that we celebrate holidays like Christmas. The Puritans in early New England frowned on any kind of celebration but as new settlers arrived, Christmas got jollier.

The Dutch brought us Christmas stockings; the Germans gave us Christmas trees with lights and ornaments; the Italians created Nativity scenes; the English added Christmas cards and mistletoe to the mix. The poinsettia with its bright red blooms is a gift from Mexico. Now as we welcome another culture to our area, we will have the opportunity to experience the Filipino Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi.

The Rev. Moises Apostol came here from the Leyte region of the Philippines 10 years ago and is now at St. Monica's Church in Carpentersville. He is the person heading up the Simbang Gabi celebration in the Fox Valley area.

He explained, "In the Philippines, this nine-day preparation for Christmas is a series of Masses Misa de Gallo, or "Mass of the rooster" celebrated around 4 a.m., so that the farmers and fishermen could take part before going to work." But he added, "In our area, we will be celebrating Simbang Gabi at 7 p.m. as that is a more suitable time for most people here."

Nine churches in our area will take part in this joyful Filipino custom beginning this evening, Dec. 15 at St. Mary's Church, 10307 Dundee Road in Huntley. This will be followed on Dec. 16 at St. Margaret Mary, 111 S. Hubbard St. in Algonquin and Holy Cross, 2300 W. Main St. in Batavia on Dec. 17.

The celebration moves to the north with St. Mary's, 312 Lincoln Ave. in Woodstock on Dec. 18, Saints Peter and Paul, 410 N. First St. in Cary on Dec. 19, and St. Thomas the Apostle, 451 W. Terra Cotta in Crystal Lake on Dec. 20. On Dec. 21, it will be at St. John Neumann, 2900 E. Main St. in St. Charles and on Dec. 22, at St. Catherine of Siena, routes 31 and 72 in West Dundee. The final Mass on Dec. 23 will be at St. Thomas More, 215 St. Thomas More Drive in Elgin.

The pastor defined Simbang Gabi as "a joyous time when families are challenged to participate as much as possible. It is one of the most popular traditions in the country because it strengthens relationships among family members. It is a time for socialization and entertainment." He added, "There is more to Simbang Gabi than the nine Masses. After Mass there will be Filipino dancers and entertainment and the singing of joyful Filipino songs. There will be colorful lanterns and the sharing of delicacies and wonderful food."

He described some of the food like "pancit" is like a "combination of Italian noodles and Chinese spaghetti cooked with different meats plus fried chicken and egg rolls.

Families and individuals from the community are welcome to come and share the faith experience and learn about other cultures. Simbang Gabi begins at 7 p.m. at all of the churches mentioned. For information, call (847) 428-2646.

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