Filipino Catholics observed the first day of Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo in Bangkok today, December 16 at Holy Redeemer Church.
The opening mass was officiated by Rev. John Wirach Amonpattana, CSSR of the Holy Redeemer Church. The mass which started at 5:00 AM was sponsored by the Philippine Embassy.
H.E. Ambassador Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon delivered a message after the homily where she thanked the Filipino community, Parish Church and her staff for supporting the Embassy during her four-year stint in Thailand. The Ambassador also mingled with the Filipino community after the mass. She personally thanked them and took photos table by table.
Ambassador Aragon is retiring this year ending her 40 years of foreign and government service.
Notable Filipino church leaders Mrs Ruby Hoskin and Mrs Aurora Cornelio have helped in the preparation of the nine-day Misa de Gallo which ends on December 24.
The Embassy also prepared a light breakfast for all the attendees.
Here are some photos of the first day of Simbang Gabi 2019.