Philippine Center hosts Simbang Gabi in New York

The Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado is held from December 7 to 15 at the Philippine Center New York. PHOTOS BY MERELA GRET ABERIN)

NEW YORK CITY – Filipino Christmas once again came to New York as the nine-day novena and traditional mass at the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado started December 7 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center here.

Consul General Mario De Leon welcomed the guests in celebrating the 28^th year of Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado (SGK).

SGK was suspended for two years in 2012 and 2013 during which time the community celebrated Christmas with Panunuluyan sa Konsulado.

Christmas spirit fills Kalayaan Hall during the nine-day Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado.

In 2014, the Filipino community lobbied to bring the celebration back to the Philippine Center and was granted permission by the Diocese of New York.

De Leon lauded the core group of organizers, noting that the Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado has become a legacy and an institution in itself and should be passed on for generations to come.

Father Patrick Longalong, who serves as the spiritual director of the SGK presided over the concelebrated mass on the first night, along with Deacon Sonny Ungco.

This year, 42 organizations made up the core group of organizers who will sponsor each of the nine days of the Simbang Gabi which will be held until December 15.

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