Seasonal events at St. John Brebeuf reflect cultural diversity

CAPTION

The sharing of Oplatek wafers, which are available at St. John Brebeuf Parish Office, is one of the most ancient and beloved of all Polish Christmas traditions.

Seasonal events at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Avenue, Niles, this year include a Simbang Gabi Mass on Saturday, December 21, 5 p.m. and Oplatek sales which are available through the parish office.

A community landmark since construction in 1964, St. John Brebeuf has been an integral part of Niles for 65 years. The many Filipino and Polish parishioners reflect the village’s cultural diversity.

The Simbang Gabi Mass, which is in additional to a regular schedule of Masses which include Advent Sundays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, is a Filipino Christmas tradition. Simbang Gabi, also known by its popular Spanish name, Misa de Gallo or Mass of the Rooster, was introduced by the Spanish friars to allow the farmers to hear Mass before going to the fields early in the morning. Today, the tradition of Simbang Gabi is celebrated in new ways and at different times. At SJB, it will include colorful lights and beautiful lanterns to welcome the churchgoers as well as traditional Filipino food available after the Mass.

The sharing of Oplatek around the table before Wigilia, the Christmas Eve supper, is one of the most ancient and beloved of all Polish Christmas traditions. Oplatek is typically a rectangular wafer about the size of a hand and embossed with a Christmas scene, such as the Nativity. Oplatek envelopes are available at $5 each are available at the parish office.

For information more information about the parish and its mission or for a schedule of Masses, please visit www.sjbrebeuf.org or call 847-966-8145.