The Filipino-Canadian community in Winnipeg continues to uphold the distinctly Filipino custom of Dawn Mass or Simbang Gabi.
Pope Francis lauded Filipino migrants for bringing this devotion in many parts of the world during the first ever Simbang Gabi presided by a Pope in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome on December 15, 2019.
While many cultures observe Advent as a time to prepare for the commemoration of the birth of Jesus, Filipinos highlight the final nine days to Christmas (a Novena) with daily dawn masses.
The practice started during the Spanish rule in the Philippines to accommodate farming schedule.
Two Catholic Churches in Winnipeg, with majority of parishioners Filipino, celebrate Simbang Gabi at different times:
St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (748 Keewatin St.) continued the tradition with masses at 5:30AM from December 16 to 24, 2019.
St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (172 Worth St.), on the other hand, adjusted it to 6PM from December 15 to 23, 2019 in response to it’s parishioners’ schedule.
So Pinoys in Winnipeg and surrounding areas are fortunate to have two options to honor their desire to attend Simbang Gabi despite thousands of miles away from the Philippines.
