About 300 Filipino migrants in Malaysia braved the early hours to faithfully uphold their cherished Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi — a novena of nine pre-dawn Masses — from December 16, 2024.
Jan 10, 2025
The Filipino community having their meal after Mass.
KUALA LUMPUR: About 300 Filipino migrants in Malaysia braved the early hours to faithfully uphold their cherished Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi — a novena of nine pre-dawn Masses — from December 16, 2024.
Despite the challenges of waking up as early as 2.00am, navigating empty streets, adjusting work schedules, and sacrificing sleep, the Filipino community gathered at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist with steadfast devotion. Many also prepared traditional Filipino delicacies such as biko (sticky rice), arroz caldo (porridge), and puto (steamed rice cakes), to share with fellow attendees after Mass, before hurrying off to work.
Parish priest Fr Gerard Theraviam, who presided over the weekday 6.30am Masses, expressed his joy at the migrants’ unwavering faith, noting their strong attendance. On weekends, attendance doubled, with over 600 Filipinos joining the 8.00am Masses.
Lyne Nacino, coordinator of Tahanang Pilipino, the Filipino ministry at the parish, reflected on the spiritual and communal significance of the tradition. “Simbang Gabi became an opportunity for Filipinos far from family and loved ones to walk together as one family of Christ — loving God and one another,” she said.
Tahanang Pilipino organised the devotions in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and various Filipino community groups.
Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce led the embassy staff and their families at the inaugural Mass, which was assigned to the embassy. Each subsequent day saw different Filipino groups taking responsibility for Scripture readings, offertory, and light breakfast preparation. Participating groups included the Fire and Rescue Association Philippines; Kinship Humanity Aid and Rescue Team; Filipino Malaysian Cultural Sports and Welfare Society; The Filipino Helping Hands Malaysia; BIBAK Kuala Lumpur Malaysia; Fruittigies Helping Hands; El Shaddai KL Chapter, and Tahanang Pilipino.
Local parishioners also joined in, especially for breakfast, fostering a sense of community. Deacon Jonathan Rao, who assisted at all Simbang Gabi Masses, was moved by the palpable unity and fellowship among the participants.
The final day of the novena, Christmas Eve, was marked by a celebratory Mass presided over by assistant parish priest, Fr Ferdinand Magimay, with Fr Gerard as concelebrant. Ambassador Maria expressed her gratitude to Fr Gerard, the parish, and the Filipino community for their efforts in making the celebration a success. A medley of Tagalog Christmas hymns filled the cathedral, uniting the congregation in joyful song.
Beyond the novena, Filipino participants extended their efforts to help with the parish gotong royong (communal work), cleaning and decorating the cathedral for Christmas. They also completed a large parol (star-shaped lantern) to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, which was placed at the cathedral’s main entrance as a they brought to welcoming sign for all.
When asked aKUALA LUMPUR: About 300 Filipino migrants in Malaysia braved the early hours to faithfully uphold their cherished Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi — a novena of nine pre-dawn Masses — from December 16, 2024.
Despite the challenges of waking up as early as 2.00am, navigating empty streets, adjusting work schedules, and sacrificing sleep, the Filipino community gathered at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist with steadfast devotion. Many also prepared traditional Filipino delicacies such as biko (sticky rice), arroz caldo (porridge), and puto (steamed rice cakes), to share with fellow attendees after Mass, before hurrying off to work.
Parish priest Fr Gerard Theraviam, who presided over the weekday 6.30am Masses, expressed his joy at the migrants’ unwavering faith, noting their strong attendance. On weekends, attendance doubled, with over 600 Filipinos joining the 8.00am Masses.
Lyne Nacino, coordinator of Tahanang Pilipino, the Filipino ministry at the parish, reflected on the spiritual and communal significance of the tradition. “Simbang Gabi became an opportunity for Filipinos far from family and loved ones to walk together as one family of Christ — loving God and one another,” she said.
Tahanang Pilipino organised the devotions in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and various Filipino community groups.
Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce led the embassy staff and their families at the inaugural Mass, which was assigned to the embassy. Each subsequent day saw different Filipino groups taking responsibility for Scripture readings, offertory, and light breakfast preparation. Participating groups included the Fire and Rescue Association Philippines; Kinship Humanity Aid and Rescue Team; Filipino Malaysian Cultural Sports and Welfare Society; The Filipino Helping Hands Malaysia; BIBAK Kuala Lumpur Malaysia; Fruittigies Helping Hands; El Shaddai KL Chapter, and Tahanang Pilipino.
Local parishioners also joined in, especially for breakfast, fostering a sense of community. Deacon Jonathan Rao, who assisted at all Simbang Gabi Masses, was moved by the palpable unity and fellowship among the participants.
The final day of the novena, Christmas Eve, was marked by a celebratory Mass presided over by assistant parish priest, Fr Ferdinand Magimay, with Fr Gerard as concelebrant. Ambassador Maria expressed her gratitude to Fr Gerard, the parish, and the Filipino community for their efforts in making the celebration a success. A medley of Tagalog Christmas hymns filled the cathedral, uniting the congregation in joyful song.
Beyond the novena, Filipino participants extended their efforts to help with the parish gotong royong (communal work), cleaning and decorating the cathedral for Christmas. They also completed a large parol (star-shaped lantern) to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, which was placed at the cathedral’s main entrance as a welcoming sign for all.
When asked about their commitment, three Filipino friends shared, “We, like everyone else, wanted to complete the Christmas Novena.” For many, their devotion to Simbang Gabi is not just a spiritual practice but a meaningful expression of the sacrifices they bear for their families back home.
Fr Gerard encouraged the Filipino community to continue attending weekday morning Masses, acknowledging the joy and unity they brought to the parish during the Christmas season. Bob Hobout their commitment, three Filipino friends shared, “We, like everyone else, wanted to complete the Christmas Novena.” For many, their devotion to Simbang Gabi is not just a spiritual practice but a meaningful expression of the sacrifices they bear for their families back home.
Fr Gerard encouraged the Filipino community to continue attending weekday morning Masses, acknowledging the joy and unity the parish during the Christmas season. –Bob Ho
