Join us for a joyous celebration of faith and community as the Filipino community of Tampa Bay gathers for Simbang Gabi (Christmas Novena Mass) on Monday, December 16, 2022, at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. This special evening marks the second of nine Novena Masses hosted by various Catholic churches across Tampa Bay and the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. The Mass will be officiated by Rev. Kyle Smith, the newly appointed pastor of OLPH.
Simbang Gabi is a cherished Filipino tradition: a nine-day devotional series of Masses leading up to Christmas, dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and preparing for the birth of Christ. Traditionally held at dawn, this tradition dates back to Spanish colonial times, when early morning Masses accommodated Filipino farmers working in the fields. Today, Simbang Gabi remains a vibrant expression of faith, culture, and community, culminating in the Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) on Christmas Eve.
Don’t miss this beautiful opportunity to experience the warmth and joy of this Filipino Christmas tradition. All are welcome to share in the spirit of the season!
Organized by the Filipino Catholic Ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida through Ed and Susan Bilbao, Simbang Gabi 2022 schedule is as follows:
Sunday, Dec. 15, 7PM
BAYANIHAN ARTS AND EVENTS CENTER*
14301 Nine Eagles Dr, Tampa, FL 33626
Rev. Craig Morley, Celebrant
Coordinators: Ang Bisaya of Florida, Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc.
Arnel Artus, ABF President, and Officers
*Simbang Gabi mass will commence right after Pasko 2024
Monday, Dec. 16, 7PM
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC CHURCH
1711 E 11th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Rev. Kyle Smith, Celebrant
Coordinator: Nhick Ramiro Pacis
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7PM
ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
9724 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL
Rev. Cosmas Amadi, Celebrant
Coordinators: Couples for Christ Ministry – New Tampa, Mel & Tess Ebrada, and Joe Aclan
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7PM, 6:30 pm Recitation of the Holy Rosary
ST. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH
106 11th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Rev. Kevin Yarnell,Celebrant
Coordinator: Marites de la Rosa, Terry Santa Maria, Sally Egger, The Jesus and Mary Prayer Group, and the Filipino Community of the Southshore Area
Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:30 PM
LIGHT OF CHRIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
2176 Marilyn St, Clearwater, FL 33765
Rev. Joselito Hitosis, Celebrant
Coordinators: Michelle Galura, Tina Formilliza and Beth Villanueva
Friday, Dec. 20, 7PM
ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH
12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
Rev. Craig Morley, Celebrant
Coordinators: Sto. Niño Shrine USA, Melvin and Maribel Markines, Our Lady of Good Health Ministry, Edward and Priya Jayaraj
Saturday, Dec. 21, 7PM
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
4843 Mile Stretch Dr., Holiday, FL 34690
Rev. Joselito Hitosis, Celebrant
Coordinators: Lorraine Parsons and Claire Auza
Sunday, Dec. 22, 7PM
ST. IGNATIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH
715 E Orange St, Tarpon Springs, FL
Rev. Bill Swengros, Celebrant
Coordinators: Gene Caballes, Germel Caballes and Family
Monday, Dec. 23, 7PM
MOST HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH
10110 N Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
Rev. Anthony Coppola, Celebrant
Coordinators: Lourdes Lozano
OVERALL COORDINATORS:
Ed and Susan Bilbao
(813) 503-6460 | (813) 323-0454
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR:
Rev. J. Glenn Diaz
