For Filipinos, Christmas will never be complete without the Simbang Gabi. It has been a crucial part in the Christmas tradition of Filipinos in preparation for the birth of Jesus and is thus celebrated the world over. Wherever there are Filipino catholics in whichever part of the world, you can expect to find this tradition celebrated in one or more churches.
The Catholic community here in Stuttgart started the Simbang Gabi eucharistic celebrations last Sunday, 15th December 2019 at 8:00 in the evening at the St. Maria church in Stuttgart-Mitte.
Organized by the PMG (Philippinische Muttersprachliche Gemeinschaft), the eucharistic celebrations are attended by Filipinos and Germans from Stuttgart and its neighboring cities. Even Filipino communities from as far as Frankfurt am Main and Augsburg come to Stuttgart to join in the celebration.
What makes the evening masses a heartwarming experience are the happy smiles of the Filipinos, the Filipino spirit of brother/sisterhood, the Christmas parols (lanterns) that give the church a more Filipino flair and the abundant Filipino finger foods that await each and everyone to share after the mass.
If you happen to be in Stuttgart between today and the 23rd of December, drop by the St. Maria Church at Tübinger Strasse (near Gerber Mall) and experience the Simbang Gabi and celebrate a piece of Filipino Christmas with us.
Note: Photos from Mayette Matzelt, Cherebel Albano, Rev. Jonathan Ramoso
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