15 December 2024.The Philippine Embassy in Paris sponsored the first mass for the Simbang Gabi tradition of the Filipino community in Paris on 15 December 2024 at Chapelle Sainte-Bernadette. The Sunday mass which kicked off the nine-day religious observance was well-attended by more than 400 Filipino faithful.
Filipino community in Paris gather for the first Simbang Gabi mass in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Auggie Ruiz Tuazon.)
Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, the newly installed rector of the Philippine Catholic Mission in Paris, led the said eucharistic celebration. In his homily, he underscored the observance of the Gaudete Sunday on the third Sunday of Advent. This highlights the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration and a reminder of God’s unconditional love and mercy. He also highlighted the importance of synodality as a way of listening to the members of the Church to know more about God’s message.
Filipino community in Paris gather for the first Simbang Gabi mass in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Auggie Ruiz Tuazon.)
Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, the newly installed rector of the Philippine Catholic Mission in Paris, led the said eucharistic celebration. In his homily, he underscored the observance of the Gaudete Sunday on the third Sunday of Advent. This highlights the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration and a reminder of God’s unconditional love and mercy. He also highlighted the importance of synodality as a way of listening to the members of the Church to know more about God’s message.
The Philippine Embassy in Paris joins the Church and the Filipino community in France in celebrating the first Simbang Gabi mass for 2024.
The Embassy took the opportunity after the mass to give food packages to Filipino families and the elderly, made possible by the corporate support of the leading Filipino and ethnic food distributor in Europe - Heuschen & Schrouff. The distribution of Filipino products not only promotes the availability of leading Philippine brands in France to primary consumers but also enlivens the dynamic Filipino Christmas spirit despite being miles away from home.
Through the spirit of volunteerism from corporate partners and volunteers, the Embassy successfully distributed food packs from participating Filipino brands available in Europe.
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