Philippine Embassy Sponsors 2025 Simbang Gabi Masses in Tokyo
The Filipino community celebrates the Simbang Gabi Mass at the St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church on 23 December 2025.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan celebrated the Christmas season with the Filipino community in Tokyo by sponsoring traditional Simbang Gabi or novena Masses at major Catholic churches in the city on 23 and 24 December 2025.
The Simbang Gabi Masses were celebrated at the St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church by Fr. Antonio Camacho, and St. Mary’s chapel of the St. Ignatius Church in Yotsuya by Fr. Jody Magtoto, SJ. Both churches serve as important centers of worship and fellowship for the Filipino Catholic community in Tokyo.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan, represented by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus (front, 4th from left) and Consul General Mary Joy B. Ramirez (front, 3rd from left), and Fr. Antonio Camacho (front, 5th from left) after celebrating the Simbang Gabi Mass at the St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church
Under the leadership of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, the Embassy supported the conduct of Simbang Gabi Masses at the said churches by sponsoring the Offertory and hosting post-Mass fellowship, during which traditional Filipino dishes such as arroz caldo (rice porridge) and bangus (milkfish) were served to the faithful.
Embassy staff serving food to parishioners after the Simbang Gabi Mass at the St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church.
The Embassy expressed its gratitude to the churches for hosting the Simbang Gabi Masses, which deepen the Filipino diaspora’s sense of belonging even when away from their homeland, and serve as a solemn expression of their devotion intertwined with Philippine culture, tradition, and history.
The Filipino community celebrating the Simbang Gabi Mass led by Fr. Jody Magtoto, SJ
(back, 6th from left) at the chapel of the St. Ignatius Church in Yotsuya, sponsored by the Embassy represented by Consul Robert D. Quintin (back, 1st from left) and Consul Fatima G. Quintin (back, 2nd from left).
Celebrated during the nine (9) days leading to Christmas Day, the Simbang Gabi Masses were introduced in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, and have since been celebrated by Filipino communities overseas for decades. The Masses are made unique by the singing of Filipino Christmas carols and the sharing of food among parishioners.
