Las Posadas & Simbang Gabi

Las Posadas. This tradition was brought to Mexico from Spain by Catholic missionaries in the 1500s. It commemorates the journey that Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem in search of a safe place where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. Posada means inn or dwelling in Spanish. Traditional Las Posadas celebration has several components: prayer (rosary), caminata (walking/procession), food, and the 7-point piñata (which represents the seven deadly sins). The piñata is broken to symbolize destroying the sins. Las Posadas celebrations start 9 days before Christmas.

Simbang Gabi is a devotional nine-day series of dawn masses on the days leading up to Christmas. It starts on December 15 through December 23. This tradition was introduced in the Philippines by the Spanish friars in the 1600s. It allows farmers to celebrate Mass before going to work. Masses can start as early as 4:00 o’clock in the morning. Simbang Gabi is also known by its Spanish name Misa de Gallo or "Rooster’s Mass.'' Over the years, Filipino communities have made adjustments to when it is celebrated. Some parishes now celebrate Simbang Gabi around 6:00 or 7:00 o’clock in the evening, to accommodate different schedules of community members.

Las Posadas and Simbang Gabi are not just traditions but are spiritual preparations for Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Come one, come all! As one family at St. Catherine’s Parish and School, let us all join in this 9-day celebration. December 15th through December 23rd at 6PM in the parking lot between the church and school (weather permitting).  Social Distancing will be observed and masks must be worn.