Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! For the first time we had our Christmas Simbang Gabi celebrated inside St. Cecilia Parish Church. The Simbang Gabi mass was con-celebrated by Fr.Thomas Nguyen, the Parochial Vicar and a guest Filipino priest, Fr. John V. Era with Deacon Don.
Fr. John V. Era was the former Vocations Director of the Congregation of the Mission in the Philippines. This congregation was founded by St. Vincent de Paul. They are also called Vincentians. Fr. John V. Era was granted a scholarship and is presently studying Community Psychology at the Vincent de Paul University in Chicago.
The Simbang Gabi mass brought back memories of our native traditions. The mass started with the parade of the parols by the children. The Tagalog Christmas songs rendered by the FCSC choir contributed to the festive celebration.
After the Simbang Gabi mass, a reception followed at the festively decorated hall. There were games for adults and children, a “pabitin” and door prizes. Again thank you for all the volunteers who made the setup, decorations and food distribution possible. Special mention to Jimmy de Guzman for his labor of love in preparing the pancit palabok.
The children had a wonderful time plucking all the goodies from the “pabitin”, the teenagers and adults alike tested their wits during the games while the newly formed Monday dancing group displayed their dancing skills and performed for everybody’s enjoyment.
We are happy to see that our community is growing every year with the presence of new and younger faces, giving the assurance that our customs and traditions will be passed on to the future generation.
Lastly, our FCSC choir sang for the first time at the Trilingual midnight mass of December 24 and Bel Lagman read one of the scripture readings in Pilipino.
Our forthcoming “Sinulog”, which will be celebrated this month of January, is currently being planned and we hope to see you there again to greet the Santo Nino with a procession and dancing. Go to our blog to see some of our pictures and videos.
Birthday Celebrants: Ronald Agarao, Jimmy De Guzman, Cecilia Deduyo, Vic Dulla, Cynthia Engracia, Jacqueline Facundo, Estela Felix, Carlos Letrondo,Jr., Hazel Limbo, Lilibeth Flores Landayan, Merly Miguel and Jennifer Barreras.
Anniversaries: Ricardo & Elizabeth Aquino, Maurice & Ofelia Cachola, Tony and Bel Lagman, Carlos,Jr. & Elisa Letrondo, Bernie & Hazel Limbo, Charlie & Leticia Morales and Jun & Let-let Sayo.
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