Spirituality in Fort Lee: The Advent Season

Dec. 19 was the fourth Sunday of Advent, where the following Anglican Collect was celebrated in Catholic churches across America:

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by Your daily visitation, that Thy Son Jesus Christ, at His coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for Himself; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

And from Luke, 1:46b-55:

 "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.  His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

The fourth and final Sunday of Advent took me to the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church on the northern part of Lemoine Ave. Less than two days before the Winter solstice, the grey skies and intense cold didn't slow down at least 100 parishioners from coming to an Advent Mass begun with the administering of a Baptism. Fr. Edmondo Sombilon conducted a tranquil, introspective service, beautifully complimented by a Prelude of Silent Night performed by Director of Music, Peter Baratta, Jr.  The Silent Night theme permeated the melodies of all the music throughout the Mass, including Cantor Jeff Penque's translated "He is the King of Glory," Psalm 24:2:

"Send the word that the King is coming. Lift your voices up to the holy one. Open wide, let the portal gates be opened. Come and dwell with us, King of glory."

Christmas Celebration in the Filipino Tradition

Holy Trinity holds special Mass on Dec. 22

Fr. Edmondo is inviting members of the Holy Trinity Parish to take part in the Filipino religious tradition known as "Misa de Gallo," or Simbang Gabi on Wednesday evening, Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity RC Church, 2367 Lemoine Ave.  Simbang Gabi is a Filipino phrase that means "evening Mass."

This religious tradition is deeply rooted in the Catholic Filipinos and their love for both the Baby Jesus and the Blessed Mother. It is a very significant devout activity for many Filipinos, intended to prepare for the approach of Christmas in a very spiritual way. Following the Mass, traditional delicacies will be served while a group of young adults sing Christmas Carols in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines. All are welcome.