Filipinos keep their 'panata'

MIAMI SHORES � The celebration of Christmas for Filipinos starts nine days before the holiday with a novena of Masses each night, known as Simbang Gabi. Filipinos brought that tradition to the Archdiocese of Miami and have been keeping it for the past 15 years.

�Attending Mass each night is a �panata�, a commitment or promise we make,� said Janet Macasero of the Filipino Apostolate. �Following the Mass, we have a �salo-salo�, a gathering where food is served.�

The Masses this year started Dec. 15 at St Boniface in Pembroke Pines and moved to Annunciation in West Hollywood, Our Lady of the Lakes in Miami Lakes, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard in Palmetto Bay, St. Bernard in Sunrise, Visitation in North Miami, Good Shepherd in Kendall, Little Flower in Hollywood and finally, St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores. Each night has a sub-theme in addition to the overall theme which was �Rejoice! A Son Is Given Us � Emmanuel.�

�We don�t know the exact number of Filipinos living in South Florida,� said Macasero. �However, we estimate there are about 30,000 to 40,000 living here. Catholicism is the predominant religion of Filipinos.�

Each Mass begins with a procession into church with members of the apostolate carrying traditional brightly colored parols, ornamental star-like Christmas lanterns made of bamboo or paper. The round shape is said to be inspired by the star that guided the Magi to the manger. It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos� hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.

In addition to the colorful parols, the participants at Mass wear colorful native attire.

�Men wear the barong-tagalog, a lightweight, embroidered long-sleeve shirt worn untucked,� said Macasero. �Women, too, can wear the Barong, and also, the mestiza dress made of lace, with butterfly sleeves and adorned with embroidery.�

Archbishop Thomas Wenski celebrated the final Mass of the novena at St. Rose of Lima Church and spoke on the Mass theme, �The Grace of Hopeful Freedom.�

�A world without God is a world without hope,� said the archbishop. �In the birth of Jesus Christ, hope is restored despite our sinfulness, our lust, greed and envy. These sins are the root of poverty and war. These days we remember the efforts of Jesus and Mary to find a suitable place for Jesus to be born. Some wish to close the door to hope, but we resolve to open the door to our brothers and sisters in need.�

He said the Senate�s rejection of the Dream Act has shut the door to immigrant youngsters, who have been denied a future.

�The Christmas message is a bittersweet one,� said Archbishop Wenski. �It�s sweet for those opening the door to Jesus Christ. It�s bitter for those refusing to open the door. Let�s be a community of charity with all those in need; then Christmas will truly be a feast of goodness.�

As a gift of charity, Macasero said, Filipino Apostolate members donated hygiene items for Seafarer�s House at Port Everglades during all the Simbang Gabi Masses.