First night of Simbang Gabi commences at Rockaway parish #Catholic – The first night of Simbang Gabi was celebrated at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., sponsored by the Diocesan Commission for Filipino Ministry (DCCFM). The celebration marked an observance of the cherished Filipino Advent tradition within the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, drawing a strong turnout of faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving as they prepared for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Father Jun Vizcara, a chaplain at St. Joseph University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., was the main celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrating priests were Father Pawel Bala, pastor of Sacred Heart; Father Vidal Gonzales, pastor of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J.; and Father Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J. Following the Mass, the community gathered for fellowship, sharing an abundance of traditional Filipino food. The joyful gathering reflected the spirit of unity, hospitality, and gratitude that characterizes Simbang Gabi celebrations. Elmer Maximo, DCCFM president, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the growing number of Filipino faithful participating in the tradition, noting that Simbang Gabi continues to strengthen faith and community as the Church journeys toward Christmas. In the diocese, Simbang Gabi concluded Dec. 23 at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J., with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney as the main celebrant. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

The first night of Simbang Gabi was celebrated at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., sponsored by the Diocesan Commission for Filipino Ministry (DCCFM).

The celebration marked an observance of the cherished Filipino Advent tradition within the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, drawing a strong turnout of faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving as they prepared for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Father Jun Vizcara, a chaplain at St. Joseph University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., was the main celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrating priests were Father Pawel Bala, pastor of Sacred Heart; Father Vidal Gonzales, pastor of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J.; and Father Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.

Following the Mass, the community gathered for fellowship, sharing an abundance of traditional Filipino food. The joyful gathering reflected the spirit of unity, hospitality, and gratitude that characterizes Simbang Gabi celebrations.

Elmer Maximo, DCCFM president, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the growing number of Filipino faithful participating in the tradition, noting that Simbang Gabi continues to strengthen faith and community as the Church journeys toward Christmas.

In the diocese, Simbang Gabi concluded Dec. 23 at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J., with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney as the main celebrant.

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
First night of Simbang Gabi commences at Rockaway parish #Catholic –

The first night of Simbang Gabi was celebrated at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., sponsored by the Diocesan Commission for Filipino Ministry (DCCFM).

The celebration marked an observance of the cherished Filipino Advent tradition within the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, drawing a strong turnout of faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving as they prepared for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Father Jun Vizcara, a chaplain at St. Joseph University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., was the main celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrating priests were Father Pawel Bala, pastor of Sacred Heart; Father Vidal Gonzales, pastor of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J.; and Father Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.

Following the Mass, the community gathered for fellowship, sharing an abundance of traditional Filipino food. The joyful gathering reflected the spirit of unity, hospitality, and gratitude that characterizes Simbang Gabi celebrations.

Elmer Maximo, DCCFM president, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the growing number of Filipino faithful participating in the tradition, noting that Simbang Gabi continues to strengthen faith and community as the Church journeys toward Christmas.

In the diocese, Simbang Gabi concluded Dec. 23 at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J., with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney as the main celebrant.

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]