Simbang Gabi 2025

We completed the nine days of this year’s Simbang Gabi. For us in FCCR, this last night marked the ninth night of the ninth year that we have tried—and continue to try—to keep this beautiful Filipino Catholic tradition alive here in the Netherlands. For eight of those years, we have been deeply grateful to have Fr. Gilbert as our guide.

Though Filipino in origin, Simbang Gabi carries a universal message. The Gospel stories proclaimed over these nine nights remind us how richly we have been blessed to receive the gift of Jesus in our world.

These nine years have truly been filled with blessings. From our humble beginnings in a small chapel in the basement of the old MSC Fathers’ house in Rotterdam, to the beautiful churches - Sint Bavokerk, Sint Josephkerk, Sint Marthakerk, H. Michaelkerk and Liduina Basiliek, we celebrated this years Novena masses, we have witnessed God’s providence at every step. Even during the two years of uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, we found new ways to continue—opening chapels in living rooms of families who generously welcomed this celebration into their homes. Today, it is truly heartwarming to see Filipinos and people of other nationalities celebrating this tradition together—whether with us, in Hoofddorp organized by FCCN Hoofddorp, or in Amsterdam organized by El Shaddai. This gives us hope that we remain connected to the true reason for this season.

We express our sincere gratitude to all the communities we have partnered with to keep this tradition alive this year: FCC Gouda; Tulong Kabayan—SARO, Filmis, and MCVO; CFC; FCC Dordrecht; FCM Tilburg; the international community of the Agustinusparochie; and the Liduina Basiliek. We also thank our generous sponsors from the FCCR community, all our lovely families who journeyed with us in faith. We also thank Renzo and Christine for being our altar servers for most of the nine nights. And of course, our heartfelt thanks to the FCCR Music Ministry, who not only completed all nine nights but also served as choir for most of the celebrations.

Finally, our deepest gratitude goes to Fr. Gilbert, who from the very beginning of his involvement in Simbang Gabi has given his all, helping us reach more people each year. We are truly blessed to be guided by you.

As we conclude this Simbang Gabi, we pray that our hearts are now ready to celebrate the birth of Christ—our greatest gift from God, our Redeemer.



A joyful and grace-filled Christmas to all!