The Archdiocese of Chicago will hold its 39th annual Simbang Gabi novena from December 15 to December 23, 2025. The event is organized by the Asian Catholic Initiative office and continues a long-standing Filipino Christmas tradition.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will preside over the Simbang Gabi Mass at All Saints Parish, located at the St. Isaac Jogues Church worship site in Niles on December 15 at 7 p.m.

“For generations, Simbang Gabi novenas have united families and neighbors in prayer reminding us that Christ’s light enters our lives even in the darkness,” said Cardinal Cupich. “This tradition is a beautiful expression of steadfast devotion, gratitude and anticipation of the Lord’s coming that enriches not only Filipino Catholics, but our entire Church.”

Simbang Gabi consists of a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother and is traditionally celebrated with dawn Masses by Filipino Catholics worldwide. The celebrations feature liturgies, music, native delicacies, and parol lanterns symbolizing the star of Bethlehem.

The tradition dates back to Spanish missionaries’ arrival in the Philippines when early morning pre-Christmas Masses called “Misa de Gallo” or "Rooster Mass" became customary. The series concludes with Misa de Gallo on Christmas Eve to mark Jesus Christ's birth.

Filipino Catholics in Chicago began organizing evening novena Masses in 1986. This year, 55 parishes within the archdiocese will participate in Simbang Gabi celebrations.

Additional details and a full schedule are available at https://aci.archchicago.org/events/simbang-gabi.