The Archdiocese of Chicago is set to celebrate its annual Simbang Gabi novena from December 15 to December 23, 2024. This event, sponsored by the archdiocese’s Asian Catholic Initiative office, is a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition. Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, will preside over a Simbang Gabi Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Gurnee on December 22 at 5 p.m.

“Simbang Gabi is a vibrant tradition which reminds us Advent is a season of hope and anticipation,” said Cardinal Cupich. “Simbang Gabi connects Filipino Catholics in Chicago with their homeland to celebrate the shared joy for the birth of the Lord at Christmas, and for us to bring His light into the world.”

The tradition of Simbang Gabi involves a nine-day novena dedicated to the Blessed Mother, typically celebrated with dawn Masses by Filipino Catholics worldwide. These Masses feature liturgies, music, native delicacies, and parols—a star-shaped lantern symbolizing the star of Bethlehem.

Simbang Gabi's origins trace back to Spanish missionaries' arrival in the Philippines when Filipinos began celebrating pre-Christmas Masses before daybreak known as “Misa de Gallo” or "Rooster Mass." The celebration concludes with Misa de Gallo on Christmas Eve.

In Chicago, Filipino Catholics have organized evening novena Masses since 1986. This year, Simbang Gabi Masses will be held across 55 archdiocesan parishes.

For more information about Simbang Gabi and a full schedule of Masses, visit https://aci.archchicago.org/events/simbang-gabi.