18 December 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Canada, led by Ambassador Maria Andrelita S. Austria, sponsored and participated in the 2nd day of Simbang Gabi (Christmas Novena Mass) on Saturday, 16 December, at the Assumption Parish Church in Ottawa. Rev. Fr. Joseph Vayalil, led the faithful in the celebration of the Mass. 

In Philippine Christmas tradition, Simbang Gabi is a novena of pre-dawn masses during the nine days leading to Christmas Day.