Calgary, 6 December 2023 – The celebration of the Filipino Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi has kicked off in Calgary.

On 2 December 2023, the inaugural Simbang Gabi in Calgary was held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary as a co-sponsor.

Filipino Catholic priest Fr. Edmund Vargas celebrated the Tagalog Mass that was attended by about 450 people.

Before the Mass, the El Shaddai Choir serenaded the attendees with Filipino and English Christmas carols.

After the Mass, a fellowship was held where church goers shared traditional Filipino dishes, such as lechon, pancit, and various rice-based snacks.

Unlike the straight nine-day dawn Masses in the Philippines, the Simbang Gabi in Calgary is held in the evenings of Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of thirteen (13) days. On some days, it is held simultaneously in two churches. The last Simbang Gabi in Calgary will take place on 23 December.

It marked the first time that the PCG had co-sponsored a Simbang Gabi. 

“By co-sponsoring this year’s first Simbang Gabi, we are showing our solidarity with the Filipino community in Calgary as they celebrate this beautiful Filipino Christmas tradition,” said Consul General Zaldy Patron.

Consul General Patron also encouraged the public to join the other Simbang Gabi to be held in Calgary in the coming weeks.