Members of apostolate gather at traditional evening liturgy

METUCHEN — Reflecting the devotion of Catholics of Filipino descent in the diocese, a symbol of faith in the form of a regal child took its place at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Dec. 23 at the conclusion of Simbang Gabi celebrations.

“You prove yourselves as worthy successors of John the Baptist,” said Bishop James F. Checchio, who presided and gave the homily at the Dec. 23 Mass marking the feast’s novena. This year, the celebration took on an additional importance as the Filipino Apostolate introduced the statue of Santo Niño de Cebu to their non-Filipino brothers and sisters in faith.

Simbang Gabi, Filipino for “night Mass,” was introduced by Spanish evangelists to the Philippines in the 17th century wherein the faithful arise before daybreak during the nine days before Christmas to attend Mass before they set off to work in the fields. Adoration of Mary is central during the early morning Masses, which featured song and procession as early as 4 a.m.; over time and in urban areas, Masses most often are celebrated during the evening.

Under the coordination of the diocesan Filipino Apostolate, the tradition of Simbang Gabi Masses has blossomed. A total of 24 churches hosted Masses in the Filipino tradition, beginning with a Dec. 15 liturgy at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, Flemington, and concluding Dec. 23 at the Cathedral.

Misa de Gallo, or “Rooster Mass,” was held at 5 a.m. each day of the novena at St. Ladislaus Church, New Brunswick.

Simbang Gabi festivities began as youngsters re-enacted the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to bear their son. The Filipino Apostolate Festival Choir sang traditional Christmas songs of praise in Tagalog as faithful processed into the Cathedral bearing banners and parols, or star-shaped lanterns meant to represent the Star of Bethlehem. Bishop Checchio, who was accompanied by Filipino priests and deacons of the Diocese at the altar, served as the liturgy’s homilist.

Reflecting upon the Gospel of Luke which detailed the birth of John the Baptist (1:57-68), the bishop spoke of the herald’s mission: to point to the Lord.

“Even in the womb, no matter what came his way, John kept pointing to the Lord,” Bishop Checchio said. “The Church brings us John the Baptist to bring us a good example: lead others to Christ.”

He told the Filipinos seated before him, “You point out Christ for others, make God’s presence present… Pause amid the hectic pace of these days, and remember what we are truly preparing for.”

Bishop Checchio gestured towards the statue of Santo Niño de Cebu, adorned with a red cloak and surrounded by red poinsettias at the foot of the ambo, and said, “This is one of the first devotions that the people of Cebu took up when faith was first established there 500 years ago. It is a child — gentle, meek, humble and merciful — but a king we need to rule our hearts, Ask him to bring us closer to his heart. May we cry out, ‘Long live the king.’”

The original depiction of Santo Niño de Cebu, the child king, was a gift from explorer Ferdinand Magellan to the rulers of Cebu Island, Philippines, in 1521, sparking their baptism into the Catholic faith. The statue, the oldest Catholic relic in that island nation, survived a severe fire in 1565 and was believed to have miraculous powers. A church to house Santo Niño, built on the spot where the image was recovered, was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica on its 400th anniversary by Pope Paul VI.

Father Gerardo Paderon, pastor, Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro, and coordinator of the Filipino Apostolate, informed the congregation that the Santo Niño de Cebu statue will be permanently enshrined in the Cathedral Jan.21, and its feast day observed yearly on the third Sunday of that month.

“May all who look at this image be reminded of God’s faithfulness and his love for us,” prayed Bishop Checchio as he blessed the statue with holy water and incense. “May all who pray before this image be reminded of his presence among us. May all who seek the help of the Holy Child find favor with you. May our devotion to the Holy Child, Jesus, lead us to share the good news of Emmanuel: God is with us.”