Filipino Catholics gather again for Simbáng Gabi

Parishes in the southwestern suburbs celebrate the last evening of Simbáng Gabi on Dec. 23, 2021 at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park. Filipinos are celebrating the 500th anniversary of Catholicism in the Philippines. They were unable to celebrate last year because of the pandemic. Simbáng Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother traditionally celebrated in a series of dawn Masses by Filipino Catholics around the world. The Masses include liturgies, music, the treasured Filipino Christmas star-shaped symbol of the parol lantern that represents the star of Bethlehem and native delicacies. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Filipino Catholics lead the procession into Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A member of the parish carries in St. Julie's parol in the opening procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Altar servers lead the procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A parish’s parol. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon John Benz and Father Tirso Villaverde, pastor, prepare to welcome the congregation after the procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
(Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion bring the Eucharist to the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Tirso Villaverde, pastor of St. Julie Billiart, incenses the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Ton Nguyen, associate pastor of St. Julie Billiart, distributes Communion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Sitting before their parol, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Palos Hills pray during the Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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