A night of hope fulfilled

By Andrew Claridge - Florida Catholic

Photography: ANDREW CLARIDGE | FC

DAVIE | The Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Miami concluded its annual celebration of Simbang Gabi on Dec. 23, 2025, the ninth and final night of the Filipino Christmas novena. The concluding Mass was celebrated at St. David Church, in Davie, and drew parishioners and guests from across South Florida for an evening marked by devotion and cultural tradition.

The Mass marked the culmination of nine consecutive days of prayer honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and preparing hearts for Christmas. Well before the opening hymn, the church was filled with an atmosphere reflecting quiet joy, as the faithful recognized the spiritual significance of completing the Simbang Gabi journey. As the Mass began, the procession was led with parols, star-shaped ornamental lanterns typically displayed during Christmas.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski was the main celebrant of this important celebration in the life of the local Church. Concelebrated with him were Father Ryan Saunders, pastor of St. David Parish and several archdiocesan priests.

Simbang Gabi, which means “Night Mass,” traces its origins to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Traditionally celebrated in the early morning hours, the nine-day novena developed as a way for the people to attend Mass before beginning long days of work. Over time, Simbang Gabi became one of the most cherished expressions of the Filipino Catholic faith, marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and joyful expectation. In the United States, many parishes hold evening novenas, allowing greater participation while preserving the devotion’s spiritual heart.

The spirit of Advent was palpable throughout the Mass. Sacred music accompanied the prayers of the assembly, and the Scripture readings drew attention to God’s promises and their fulfillment in Christ. The ninth night, traditionally associated with completion, carried special significance for the faithful.

In his homily, Archbishop Wenski reflected on the meaning of waiting during Advent. He emphasized that Christian waiting is active in trust and readiness rooted in faith. He reminded the faithful that Christ comes not only in the manger at Bethlehem, but into hearts willing to receive Him with humility and love.

Following the homily, several gifts were presented to Archbishop Wenski by the Filipino community.

The sense of unity during the Mass was unmistakable. For many, this celebration symbolized not only the conclusion of Simbang Gabi, but also the offering of personal intentions and the renewal of faith. While popular devotion sometimes associates the novena with answered petitions, the Church consistently opens the path to a conversion of heart, deeper communion with Christ, and a renewed commitment to Christian discipleship.

“It is truly a meaningful experience. Simbang Gabi brings us home to our cherished culture and to the true meaning of the season. We come to Mass with humble hearts and always leave feeling spiritually blessed,” said Runa Anrecio, who attended the Mass with her husband and two children.

Following the final blessing, the celebration continued beyond the church's walls. Parishioners and visitors gathered in the parish hall to share traditional food, conversation, and laughter where cultural heritage and Catholic faith met in a spirit of gratitude and belonging.

"Simbang Gabi is a time-honored religious tradition deeply rooted in the Filipino culture. It is a meaningful way to prepare our hearts for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are deeply grateful to God for blessing us with this beautiful gift and for sharing this most cherished tradition with the rest of the community in the Archdiocese of Miami since 1996," said Janet Macasero of the Filipino Apostolate.

Macasero thanked Archbishop Wenski, Father Saunders, and all concelebrating priests, volunteers, and members of the St. David community who made this year’s Simbang Gabi celebration possible.

As the night drew to a close and families departed, they carried with them the light kindled through nine days of prayer, and a spirit meant to shine more brightly as Christmas approached. Through Simbang Gabi, the faithful were reminded that preparing for Christmas is not merely a matter of marking days on a calendar, but a journey of the heart, shaped by prayer, community, and directed to Christ above all.