STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The sound of Filipino hymns filled St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 as Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral — a cherished annual tradition celebrating faith, hope, and community during the Advent season.
This year’s Mass was especially meaningful for the Filipino Catholic community of the Archdiocese of New York.
For the first time, the Filipino Catholic Apostolate (FILCA), led by Rev. Rhey Garcia — pastor of Sacred Heart Church in West Brighton and the first Filipino pastor assigned to Staten Island — oversaw the preparations under the guidance of the archdiocese’s Cultural Diversity Apostolate.
Rev. Garcia opened the celebration with a heartfelt greeting that resonated through the packed cathedral.
“This year is especially meaningful, as for the first time, the Filipino Catholic Apostolate — FILCA — is overseeing the preparations for SGSK, under the loving care of the Cultural Diversity Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York,” Rev. Garcia told the congregation.
Simbang Gabi, a nine-night novena leading up to Christmas, is one of the Philippines’ most beloved Catholic traditions.
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rooted in centuries-old practice, the celebration blends music, prayer, and community in anticipation of Christ’s birth. For many Filipino families in the tri-state area, the cathedral gathering serves as both a spiritual touchstone and a cultural homecoming.
The event was coordinated in partnership with Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, Inc., led by Rev. Dr. Joseph Marabe, the permanent chair of the organization, who has long guided the cathedral observance.
“In this Jubilee Year, we are called to renew our hope,” Rev. Marabe said. “Hope is what carries us through trials, what strengthens our families, and what unites us as a community.”
He emphasized that Simbang Gabi is not merely a cultural tradition but a living expression of faith that draws people closer to one another and to God.
“As we prepare for Christmas, we are reminded that the birth of Jesus is God’s greatest gift of hope to the world — a light that no darkness can overcome,” Marabe added.
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosPrelude performances
The Mass opened with a series of preludes featuring both choral and solo performances. Prelude No. 1, “Ave Maria” by Caccini, paired with “Aba Ginoong Maria,” was arranged by Malen Juarez.
Prelude No. 2 featured the choir presenting Ryan Cayabyab’s “Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.” Prelude No. 3 highlighted a solo performance by Staten Island soprano Tatiana Santos Mroczek.
Rev. Garcia noted that this year the organizers reached out to the broader Filipino community, inviting numerous groups and associations to participate.
“It is my prayer that through Simbang Gabi, we deepen our faith, strengthen our unity, and continue to be messengers of hope to one another,” he said.
The evening featured traditional Filipino hymns and festive parols — the star-shaped lanterns symbolizing hope and the star of Bethlehem — along with a procession that beautifully blended cultural heritage with the solemnity of the cathedral.
Before the Mass concluded, Rev. Garcia encouraged worshippers to stay engaged with FILCA and share their hopes for the growing Filipino Catholic presence in the archdiocese.
He closed the celebration with a blessing for the Advent season: “May this season of joy fill your homes with peace, your hearts with hope, and your lives with Christ’s love.”
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosSimbang Gabi, explained
Simbang Gabi is a traditional Filipino Catholic practice that literally means “Night Mass” in Tagalog, though it is celebrated in the early morning before dawn.
The devotion normally consists of nine consecutive Masses beginning Dec. 16 and concluding on Dec. 24, serving as a spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Traditionally held around 4 to 5 a.m., Simbang Gabi Masses are sometimes moved to evening hours for convenience.
Attending all nine Masses is believed to bring special graces, and the practice is considered both a personal and communal act of faith.
Families often gather after Mass to enjoy traditional Filipino treats such as puto bumbong, a purple rice cake, and bibingka, a rice cake topped with salted egg and cheese.
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Beyond its religious significance, Simbang Gabi is a cultural tradition that fosters community and family togetherness.
Many Filipinos also believe that completing the nine-day novena can grant a special wish or blessing, adding a spiritual dimension to the festive observance.
The celebration remains an integral part of the Christmas season in the Philippines, blending devotion, culture, and community in a unique and meaningful way
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rhey Garcia, first Filipino pastor on Staten Island, who leads Sacred Heart Parish, West Brighton, addresses the congregation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Gil Suibaguio processes down the aisle at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Prelude performers pose for a group photo at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Prelude performers pose for a group photo at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Staten Islanders Gil and Lourdes Panlilio are seen processing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Tatiana Mroczek performs “Ave Maria” at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Staten Islanders Rev. Rhey Garcia, left, and Rev. Frank Lanzaderas, flank Bishop Peter Byrne, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Victor Arena delivers homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rhey Garcia is seen at the altar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, with a Filipino parol in the foreground. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
The full schedule of Simbang Gabi Masses at Staten Island parishes. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rhey Garcia addressed congregation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Filipino Catholics from Staten Island, across New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Dec. 6 for Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, a centuries-old tradition during the Advent season. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos