PHOTO RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

15 December 2024, CANBERRA – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra, led by Ambassador Antonio A. Morales, joined the Filipino community on the first night of Simbang Gabi on 15 December 2024 at St. Peter Chanel Church in Yarralumla, ACT. The mass, which marked the beginning of the traditional Filipino Christmas novena masses, was officiated by Filipino priests Father Renoir Oliver, Father Anthony Riosa and Father Sebastian Luistro. Filipino choir Stella Maris lent their voices to the mass.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales emphasized the profound significance of Christmas celebrations to the Filipino community and highlighted how Simbang Gabi serves as a cherished tradition that brings Filipinos together, even when far from home. The Ambassador also took the opportunity to express solidarity with those affected by recent typhoons in the Philippines and encouraged the community to keep them in their prayers especially in this Yuletide season.

Following the mass, the Embassy hosted a fellowship serving Arroz Caldo (a Filipino rice porridge with garlic, ginger, and chicken, topped with savory garnishes such as fried garlic, green onions, and calamansi) and pineapple juice to the congregation.

Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses leading up to Christmas and also known as Misa de Gallo or the "Mass of the Rooster," is a beloved Filipino Catholic tradition typically held at dawn which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. END