19 December 2022, Ottawa. The personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Canada, led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i Francisco Noel Fernandez III, joined the Filipino Community in Ottawa for the 5th night of Simbang Gabi at the Assumption Parish on 19 December 2022.
Through the invitation of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Victor Mateo, OFM Conv, CDA Fernandez also lead the community in the lighting of the Christmas Tree reflecting the joyful celebration of Christmas this year.
Customarily, the Simbang Gabi is a novena of pre-dawn masses in the Philippines during the nine days leading to Christmas day from 16 to 24 December 2022. After the mass, participants gathered for a salo-salo where they shared some refreshments, cake, and puto bumbong.