SAN FRANCISCO – The Filipino tradition of making Christmas lanterns or parol will be revisited by Filipino expatriates during a “One-Day Parol-Making Workshop” on Saturday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., St. Monica Church reception hall, 470 24th Avenue, in San Francisco.
The workshop will be led by MC Canlas, historian and community leader from the Filipino-American Development Foundation (PADF), which is coordinating the activity with the Filipino Ministry Consultative Board (FMCB) and the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Parol-making kits are available for a donation of $7 to PADF.
The Philippine Christmas lantern, known as parol, “evolved as the symbol of Simbang Gabi. It reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, the shared hope of humankind,” explained the announcement released by the sponsors.
Parish leaders are invited to bring their parol at the Simbang Gabi Commissioning and to participate in the Parol-Lighting ceremony and lantern parade.
Contact information for the Parol-Making Workshop: MC Canlas at mccanlast@aol.com * Nellie Hizon at nelliehizon01@gmail.com Peter & Estrelle Chan at soler35jade@gmail.com.