Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass and
Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Annual Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass and the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, held last Friday evening, December 12, at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Daly City, was a beautiful and moving occasion that captivated the hearts and minds of all who attended. This sacred gathering marked a time of joyful anticipation, inviting the faithful to reflect on their spiritual journey toward Christmas through themes of faith, hope, and sharing the light of Christ with others.
The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Domingo Orimaco, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, with 27 priests concelebrating and 15 deacons assisting. During the liturgy, parish representatives presented their parols—traditional Filipino star lanterns—for blessing. These lanterns symbolize the light of Christ, as participants were commissioned to share faith and hope into their communities, beautifully uniting Filipino cultural heritage with Advent preparation for the birth of Jesus. The Commissioning Rite was officiated by Rev. Angel Quitalig, Vicar for Filipinos in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
The inspiring Tagalog liturgical music was provided by the Filipino American Ministry of Music and Arts (FAMMA), led by Leon Palad. Their heartfelt performance stirred cherished memories for many attendees, recalling childhood experiences of attending Simbang Gabi in their hometown parishes.
The Knights of Columbus added an atmosphere of dignity and regalia to the Eucharistic celebration. The Mass was followed by a reception and a mini-concert in the parish hall. The Filipino Ministry Consultative Board, the event host, is truly grateful for the support of the parish ambassadors and unnamed volunteers who assisted in many ways from ushering the participants to their seats, serving food and cleaning up after the event. One of the priests commented that the Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass embodied community and family spirit.
The Simbang Gabi novena of dawn and evening Masses has become one of the most beloved and cherished Filipino Catholic traditions, both in the Philippines and throughout the world. Filipino immigrants have brought this devotion to the United States, where it continues to flourish. Today, the Filipino diaspora is recognized as modern-day missionaries, sharing faith and devotion wherever they are called. Currently, 50 parishes within the Archdiocese of San Francisco celebrate the Simbang Gabi Novena of Masses.
In an inspiring homily during the Mass, Deacon Nestor Fernandez emphasized that while many Filipino Catholics cherish pilgrimages to Rome, the Holy Land, and other sacred sites around the world, it is equally meaningful to visit our own homeland—where the Catholic faith was first planted more than 500 years ago. Click here to read Deacon Nestor Fernandez’s homily: https://sfarch.org/simbang-gabi-commissioning-mass-homily-by-deacon-nestor-fernandez-ii/
To view additional photos from the Simbang Gabi celebration, click here — https://photos.app.goo.gl/tvGEq3BREuWrHQum8
PARISH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Filipino Ministry is pleased to announce the reactivation of the Parish Ambassador Program and is now inviting pastors to recommend parish leaders to serve as ambassadors for their respective parishes. Through this program, ambassadors will help strengthen and deepen connections with our Filipino sisters and brothers throughout the Archdiocese.
Role of a Parish Ambassador
Parish Ambassadors serve as a vital link between their parish and the Archdiocesan Filipino Ministry. Their responsibilities include:
- Communicating the Archdiocesan Filipino Ministry’s planned events, programs, and activities to their parish community.
- Encouraging parish participation in archdiocese-wide activities that promote Filipino faith traditions, including:
- The Feast of the Santo Niño
- The feasts of Filipino saints, San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod
- Parol-Making Workshop
- Annual Gala Fundraiser
- Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass
- General Meeting and Recollection
Eligibility and Term
Parish Ambassador candidates must be registered members of their parish and receive approval from their pastor. Ambassadors serve a three-year term.
For questions or additional information about the Parish Ambassador Program, please contact the Filipino Ministry at filipinoministrysf1@gmail.com
Past Events and Activities
Archdiocesan Celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño
Hundreds of parishioners from across the Archdiocese of San Francisco gathered to celebrate the Feast Day of the Santo Niño (Holy Infant Jesus) on Saturday, January 11, at St. Robert Catholic Church in San Bruno. The celebration began with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Arnold Zamora, pastor of St. Robert Church, and was concelebrated by seven priests from the Archdiocese, along with a visiting priest from Bohol. The Fil-Am Ministry of Music and Arts (FAMMA) and the Loboc Children’s Choir from Bohol provided beautiful liturgical music.
Devotees brought their statues of the Santo Niño, and Father Arnold moved through the congregation, blessing each statue before giving the final blessing. After the Mass, the colorful “Sinulog” dancers from Contra Costa County led a vibrant procession from the church to the parish hall. The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco hosted the reception in the parish hall and served traditional Filipino cuisine and the popular “lechon” (roast pig). The Loboc Children’s Choir provided the entertainment during the reception. The attendees, led by Rico Medina, Mayor of San Bruno, were truly grateful for the festivities and fellowship, and expressed their appreciation to Fr. Arnold Zamora and Freda Motak, Filipino Ministry’s Chairperson for the Santo Niño celebration.
The Santo Niño de Cebú, a statue of the infant Jesus, is venerated by many Filipino Catholics who believe it to be miraculous. It is considered the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. The statue was given to Hara Humamay, the wife of the tribal leader of Cebu, as a baptismal gift by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan after she and 800 natives were baptized on April 14, 1521. Hara Humamay, baptized Juana after Joanna of Castile, the mother of King Charles I of Spain, received the image of the Santo Niño as a symbol of the birth of Christianity in the Philippines over 500 years ago.
Today, the Filipino diaspora serves as modern-day missionaries, carrying their faith and devotion to the Santo Niño wherever they go—whether as immigrants, diplomats, overseas foreign workers, or religious ministers. Click here to view some photos from the celebration – https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipN7ALMnTKKxxmgYKh4qxn6w1rHGW5oMvjKCrP4l
To watch the livestream of the Mass, click here:
https://fb.watch/x5eOJ0XGB4/
Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass & Fellowship
Hundreds of parishioners from across the Archdiocese of San Francisco flocked to St. Augustine Church on the evening of December 6, for the annual “Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass and Parol Blessing.” It was a sight to behold as the beautiful parols carried by the St. Augustine Children’s Choir and the parish coordinators illuminated the church and brought so much joy and spiritual depth to the celebration of Christmas “Filipino style.” The Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass and Parol Blessing, sponsored annually by the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, is a deeply meaningful celebration that ushers in the official start of the beloved Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi, a novena of Masses in preparation for the birth of Christ. This special liturgy gathers parish coordinators from various parishes in the San Francisco Archdiocese to be commissioned and their parish parols blessed. The commissioning is a sacred moment where parish coordinators are charged with the responsibility of bringing the light of Christ, symbolized by the parols, back to their respective parishes to illuminate the path of faith, hope, and joy throughout the Simbang Gabi novena of masses.
This year, the Filipino Ministry Consultative Board (FMCB) invited the Most Reverend Reynaldo Bersabal, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento and the newest Filipino bishop in the United States, to be the main celebrant to preside over this important Mass. Bishop Bersabal’s presence is a historic and joyful occasion, reflecting the growing leadership and contributions of Filipino Catholics to the Church in the United States. His role in commissioning parish coordinators underscores the unity and shared mission of the Filipino community as they prepare to welcome Christ into their hearts and homes. Bishop Bersabal was joined by Father Angel Quitalig, Vicar for Filipinos, and Father Ray Reyes, pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, and 20 priests of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
The leadership of the FMCB extends their utmost gratitude to Father Ray Reyes, Christine Adiaz, St. Augustine Children’s Choir, Vivian Ramos and the ATV Ministry, SAC Hospitality Ministry, SAC Altar Servers, KoC #9714, SAC Legion of Mary, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, Daly City Council Member Teresa Proano, the Vice Consuls of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, the parol coordinators from various parishes, the parish ambassadors, and unnamed volunteers for their participation and assistance that contributed to the success of the celebration.
Please click this link to view photos from the Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass –
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8eqmKih74MCKjR1r8
Click this link to watch a video clip from the celebration – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=597970049464708
To watch the livestreamed Mass, click this link – https://fb.watch/wqKH7MArBi/
Parol-Making Workshop
On Saturday morning, November 23, a stunning rainbow suddenly arched over St. Mark Catholic Church, a heavenly sign of God’s blessing on the “Parol-Making Workshop” hosted by the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Just the day before, the Bay Area was drenched by heavy rain and strong winds, raising concerns about attendance. But God’s kindness and mercy shone through. The rainbow’s brilliance mirrored the vibrant parols crafted by participants, making the day truly unforgettable. We thank all those who participated in the annual Parol-Making Workshop and we thank MC Canlas, our parol Guru, who has been our dedicated leader in promoting the art of parol-making and the relevance of the parol (Christmas lantern) in the biblical context and in the Filipino culture. We are deeply grateful to Fr. Angel Quitalig and the parishioners of St. Mark’s for their hospitality and graciousness in allowing the use of St. Mark’s parish center for the workshop. Click on this link to view photos from the Parol-Making Workshop at St. Mark Catholic Church in Belmont, California.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/53JfWG1HFyQaBH1n7
Celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz
Parish Ambassador Orientation & Pre-Commissioning Meeting
On Sunday, September 8, the Pre-Commissioning Meeting was held at St. Mark’s Parish Center. We are grateful to the many Pastors for appointing their ambassadors, and to all the Parish Leaders for accepting this leadership role. Through the help of the Parish Ambassadors, the Filipino Ministry will be able to expand its reach and establish a deeper connection with the parish community in the diocese. We look forward to working together to celebrate, promote, and preserve the Filipino faith practices and religious cultural traditions.
Dinner-Dance & Fellowship at St. Catherine of Siena
We thank Fr. John Ryan, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, for allowing the Filipino Ministry to use the parish’s facilities to host a Dinner-Dance & Fellowship on Saturday, August 17. It was a fun and joyful evening and we thank the clergy, our friends and parishioners across the Archdiocese of San Francisco for attending and supporting the wonderful event. Click here to view photos from the dinner-dance.
California Classic Summer League Fundraising
We thank our parish priests, fellow parishioners and friends for supporting the Filipino Ministry – Warriors Fundraising event held July 10. It was indeed a fun family event for a good cause! Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors for defeating the Sacramento Kings 91-90 during the 2024 California Classic Summer League Game.
Summer Soiree – A Success!
Congratulations to the Filipino Ministry Youth & Young Adult Committee for organizing their first event for the youth and young adults of the Archdiocese of San Francisco this past Saturday, June 15 at the Church of Epiphany in San Francisco. Members of the Summer Soiree Committee express their heartfelt thanks to all who supported the event. To the youth and young adults, your active participation at the event helped make it a huge success and we look forward to seeing you at the next gathering.
Filipino Ministry-Youth & Young Adult Committee
fmyouth.youngadults@gmail.com
Click here to view photos from “Summer Soiree.”
Eucharistic Celebration
Honoring San Pedro Calungsod
Hundreds of parishioners across the Archdiocese of San Francisco participated in the Eucharistic celebration of the Feast Day of San Pedro Calungsod on Saturday, April 20, at St. Mark Catholic Church. During the celebration, the Officers and Members of the Filipino Ministry Consultative Board (FMCB) were officially commissioned by Rev. Angel Quitalig, the Vicar for Filipinos. It was also an occasion for a fun reunion of the pilgrims who joined the Philippines pilgrimage sponsored by the Filipino Ministry early this year. Our profound thanks to all those who participated and served that contributed to a meaningful and memorable celebration. With the sun shining brightly against a vibrant blue sky, it was indeed a perfect day for honoring San Pedro Calungsod, the 2nd Filipino saint. San Pedro Calungsod is the patron of Filipino youth, catechists, catechumens and altar servers. During his beatification, Pope John Paul II hailed the teenage martyr for his great example of faith.
For a complete biography and detailed information on the life of St. Pedro Calungsod, please click on this link – https://christianapostles.com/st-pedro-calungsod/
San Pedro Calungsod after their commissioning,
16th Annual Simbang Gabi
Commissioning Mass
The pomp and pageantry that add so much joy and spiritual vibrancy to the celebration of Christmas “Filipino style” was again in full display at the “16th Annual Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass and Parol-Blessing Ceremony” held Wednesday, December 13, 6:30 PM at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
We thank His Eminence, Cardinal Robert McElroy, for accepting the Filipino Ministry’s invitation to be the main celebrant. In his introduction at the beginning of the Mass, he extolled the significance of Simbang Gabi and the contributions both the Filipino clergy and laity have made not only to the local church but throughout the world, and the important role the Filipinos play in Evangelization…in spreading the Gospel of Jesus. The Mass was livestreamed. Fellowship and reception in the Patrons hall immediately followed after the Mass.
We thank all parishes across the Archdiocese for participating in the annual celebration. This event heralds the beginning of Simbang Gabi, a novena of masses being held in various parishes across the Archdiocese of San Francisco as a spiritual preparation for Christmas (December 15-23 or December 16-24). Posted below is the schedule of Simbang Gabi in various parishes.
Cick on this link to view photos from the Simbang Gabi Commissiong Mass – https://photos.app.goo.gl/9hBKZYKphphRiY2Q8
Here’s the link to the livestreamed Mass – https://www.youtube.com/live/wg8RygX2l9U?si=C6ar93JoSMCXMfa1
Journey of Faith Conference,
Celebrating the 500 Years of Christianity
in the Philippines
The virtual conference was held on July 31, 2021. The theme of the conference focused on the significance of the 500 years of Christianization of the Philippines. The speakers provided an overview of Filipino Catholicism from a historical, immigrant and pastoral perspective. It also brought to the forefront the challenges faced by Filipino-American youth and young adults in practicing their Catholic faith in a secular environment. Click here for additional information.