15th Annual Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass held at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Each year, the Archdiocese of San Francisco holds a Commissioning Mass to herald the beginning of “Simbang Gabi Masses” widely celebrated in its various parishes during the Christmas season.  “Simbang Gabi” is a prominent centuries old Filipino Catholic faith practice with roots in farming and fishing communities dating back to the 1600’s.  This practice traditionally consists of attending a novena of pre-dawn, or night-time masses leading up to Christmas Eve. 

This year’s Commissioning Mass was celebrated by Father David Pettingill on Friday, Dec, 9, and included a special blessing of Parols and family Nativity scenes.