Celebrating the Simbang Gabi at NY

Today marks the calendar of the Filipino tradition called "Simbang Gabi".This is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipinos. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the dawn mass. Simbang Gabi Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.Speaking of Simbang gabi it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has completed the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.I was looking for a video that i could post in here regarding Filipino tradition of holding the Simbang gabi mass and i saw this video that was taken last year 2007 at the St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. This event was sponsored and participated by the Filipino Community in NY. While watching this video it made me feel homesick and made me cry.Eh! who among of you my readers will not feel homesick when you are far and you see how happy they are celebrating the season. It is just like when you are in your country. He he he and emote to the max ako....The mass was held in Tagalog- a Filipino language. I really salute Filipinos because wherever they are they always carry the tradition.... Merry Christmas to all....