Manama — Filipino organizations and individuals came together in a spirit of faith and generosity during the 5th day of the Anticipated Simbang Gabi Mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bahrain, offering their collective support to the Filipino Catholic Community.
The Filipino American Association of Bahrain, Travelers Tribe Masonic Club Bahrain, and the Filipino Writers Circle (FilWrite) presented their collective offertory during the Mass. Their participation was in response to the invitation of Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain, which encouraged Filipino organizations to take part in the annual Simbang Gabi.
Officiated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Almazan, OFM Cap, Spiritual Director of the Filipino Catholic Community at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Mass emphasized faith, hope, and steadfast trust in God’s providence.
The contributions will aid the parish Christmas initiative named “Home Away from Home,” a special Christmas Day event organized by the Filipino Catholic Community. This program aims to provide joy, comfort, and assistance to overseas Filipino workers, particularly domestic helpers, laborers, fishermen, and fellow kababayans who are temporarily residing at the Philippine Embassy shelter.
Bro. Ulysses Dela Cruz, the Coordinator of the Filipino Catholic Community, conveyed that donations or in-kind contributions are welcome. These may include non-perishable items such as rice, noodles, canned goods, coffee, and tea, along with essential supplies like toiletries, blankets, suitcases, and other appropriate gift items.
Leaders from the participating organizations—Orlando Fontanilla, President of Fil-Am Bahrain; Marlon Arlanza, Vice President of Travelers Tribe (T2); and Cecil Ancheta, President of FilWrite—attended the Mass with their members and jointly took part in the offertory and celebration.
Several individuals also participated in the anticipated Simbang Gabi Mass, reflecting personal devotion and generosity. Wilfred Dolormente, a service technician who has worked in Bahrain for 15 years, shared that Simbang Gabi is a cherished Filipino tradition and a spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He noted that many Filipinos strive to complete the nine-day devotion in the hope that their prayers and intentions will be fulfilled. Dolormente also took part in the offertory, sharing his blessings with those in need.
Meanwhile, Jhoan Mendoza, an overseas Filipino worker from Adliya, said that attending the nine days of Simbang Gabi is more than just a tradition for her. She shared that completing the devotion gives her a deep sense of fulfillment and serves as her personal offering of time to God, strengthening her relationship with Him. Mendoza expressed her determination to complete all nine days of the Simbang Gabi.
As the season of Advent begins, the Filipino community is reminded of the values it represents, hope, generosity, and joy. Through the collective participation of organizations, leaders, and individuals, the Simbang Gabi celebration at Sacred Heart Catholic Church highlighted the strong faith, unity, and compassion of Filipinos in Bahrain during the Christmas season.
