On Dec. 19, St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic held a bilingual Mass for Simbang Gabi, a traditional Filipino nine-day novena, in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney celebrated the Mass with Father Javier Bareno, St. Anthony’s pastor, and Dominican Father Alexis Coffi Gonzales, the parish’s parochial vicar, concelebrating. This year’s Simbang Gabi celebration was held at several local churches in the diocese from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23.
“Simbang Gabi” means “Mass of the Night.”
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
