For the 14th year, Simbang Gabi was observed by the Filipino Catholic Community in the diocese led by their chaplain, Father Ramon Owera, pastor at Circleville St. Joseph Church. The traditional Novena of Masses, also known as Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster), are celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a spiritual preparation for Christmas.
The nine Masses were offered at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish at St. Elizabeth Church from Sunday, Dec. 15 through Monday, Dec. 23. Fr. Owera was the main celebrant of the first eight Masses, joined at times by the clergy at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish: Father Anthony Davis (pastor), and Father Pius Ajuluchukwu (associate pastor) as concelebrants, and assisted by Deacons Jason Nguyen and Dean Racine.
For the second year in a row, Bishop Earl Fernandes joined the community as main celebrant for the Mass on Dec. 23. Concelebrants were Father Owera, Father Davis and Fr. Ajuluchukwu along with Father Hilary Ike, who serves in the diocesan tribunal), and. Father Tesfaye Petros Botachew, diocesan director of multicultural ministry. They were assisted by Deacon Nguyen, Deacon Racine and Deacon-candidate Diep Bui. Luke Eschmeyer, a diocesan seminarian, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
In Bishop Fernandes’ homily, he announced that he is the chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee for Asia & Pacific Islanders. Bishop Fernandes compared the traditions of Simbang Gabi of the Filipinos to that of Las Posadas celebrated by the Latino communities. Bishop Fernandes mentioned that he had joined the Latino community the previous evening for their Las Posadas celebration, complete with a piñata and, just like the with the Filipino community … plenty of food to enjoy.
Bishop Fernandes reflected on the readings and reminded all that in addition to the aspect of waiting during the Advent season, Advent is also a period of repentance. God had a plan for us and fulfilled his promise of salvation by sending his only Son.
Bishop Fernandes also urged the congregation to look to the Holy Family as an example to emulate for our families. He said that we can see in the Blessed Mother a faithful trust in God. Joseph also showed faithfulness to God’s will and is thus Protector of the Universal Church.
After the last Mass, Bishop Fernandes joined approximately 250 people in the Pastor’s Hall for a potluck-style dinner reception, where members of the Filipino Catholic Community and their guests enjoyed home-cooked Filipino food and performances by various groups.
An added aspect of this year’s Simbang Gabi is fundraising. Father Owera and the Simbang Gabi committee (Rex Alba, Kaella Aliling, Ice Batino, Jewel Beriso, Jesse Cabungcal, Frances Horenstein, Joy Kouns-Lewis, Minda Li, Joy Polintan, Irene Sze, and Josephine and Eric Yang) aimed to not only promote the spiritual and social aspects of Simbang Gabi but also to raise funds for a worthy cause. This year, the funds raised benefited the Bridgettine Sisters in Columbus, specifically their chapel and guesthouse construction project.
As in previous years, there were several vendors selling Filipino delicacies after Mass. The vendors donated a portion of their profits to the Bridgettine Sisters. In addition, there was a silent auction of donated goods and services that added to the funds raised for the Bridgettines.
The Filipino Catholic Community is one of seven active ethnic communities celebrating Masses regularly at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish.
Filipino Catholics meet every first Wednesday of the month at St. Elizabeth, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd., Columbus, for a devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The evening starts with the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. followed by the novena and Mass.
The community also gathers every first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth for Mass.