Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2008 / Filipino tradition continues with a novena
Filipino tradition continues with a novena
by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published December 26, 2008
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Kristin Lukowski | The Michigan Catholic
Among those gathered for the novena were (front row) Helen Devara, Cely Esmana, Fe Inez, Jun Mina, Anita Duarte, Brilio Mojares and Medi Maroto. |
Sterling Heights — Keeping their cultural tradition alive, several hundred people gathered over the nine days before Christmas to honor the Blessed Mother at novena Masses.
Well, for the most part: In the Philippines, people usually gather at 4 a.m. before their day starts. In metro Detroit, Filipinos gathered at a more reasonable and practical hour of 7 p.m., explained Brilio Mojares, a member of St. Rene Goupil’s worship commission. Morning Mass is sometimes called Mass of the rooster, and night Mass is known as Simbanggabi.
Fr. Artemio Galos, associate pastor of St. Michael Parish, Sterling Heights, said not only did dozens of people gather every night — with the 24th expected to draw the biggest crowds — but they all gather for dinner and fellowship afterward, as is their custom in the Philippines. “We do this in the Philippines every year,” he said.
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Kristin Lukowski | The Michigan Catholic
Fr. Lito Narit and Msgr. John Vargas concelebrated Mass last Wednesday, the third day of the novena to the Blessed Mother, celebrated by the Filipino community. |
The Dec. 17 Mass, the third night of the novena, was celebrated by Fr. Lito Narit and Msgr. John Vargas, although other Filipino priests were to celebrate Mass on the other nights. Fr. Narit talked about people being storytellers during his homily. “One part of our celebrating during Christmas, we recall the story of our salvation — God becoming man, joining us to show how much he loved and loves us,” he said.
In the story of St. Joseph, we learn that he’s righteous and just — as we should strive to be. “Hopefully, we will also be called righteous and just, because we tried to do our part in God’s work of salvation. This Christmas, it’s good to think about our own stories — what we did to do our part.”
A couple hundred people were in attendance that night, and although it’s not considered an Advent Mass, the congregation was obviously honoring the coming Christmas holiday, as parts of the Mass were sung to the tune of carols.
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Kristin Lukowski | The Michigan Catholic
Mojares |
Mojares said it’s important to continue the traditions not only for the people who attend, but also for the community’s young people — so they know their roots. The Kapulungan ng mga Katolikong Pilipino sa Michigan, KKPM, which means Catholic Council of Filipinos in Michigan, is an organization for that purpose, also hosting Filipino Masses the first Saturdays of each month and several other times during the year.
After Mass each night, the crowd gathered for food and fellowship in the parish hall.
Cely Esmana, a member of St. Rene, said she comes every night because “we’re Catholic.” She added she meets new friends and old friends afterward, and that the highlight of the entire novena would be Christmas Eve, when they have barbecued pork to celebrate.
Helen Devara, also of St. Rene, said she attends not only for her own spirituality, but “to be an example to the younger ones — to continue the tradition,” she said.
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