About Us - Filipino-Americans of Mercer County, NJ
At the beginning of the 21st century, individuals of various parishes desired to bring the Christmas tradition of “Simbang Gabi” to their church. They wanted both Americans and Filipinos to experience this beautiful celebration. Ms Elsa Anteola of St. Raphael/Holy Angels (Hamilton) was one of the first Filipinos to convince her parish pastor to offer one mass during the Christmas season. Subsequently, Ms Angie Cruz of St Anthony of Padua (Hightstown) and Romy and Mona Buerano of St. Ann’s (Lawrenceville) also got their parishes in offering a Christmas season mass.
Mr. & Mrs. Buerano then had the vision to offer a TRUE Simbang Gabi novena of nine consecutive days of masses with the blessing of the St. Ann pastor, Rev Vincent Gartland. On contacting many Filipinos of different parishes and having them petition their pastors, the nine day schedule was finally achieved.
Nine different churches throughout Mercer County now offer a mass starting on December 15 and ending December 23.
All the participants who attended these masses have a joyous time in celebrating the mass and the Filipino foods and refreshments that follow.
Mr. & Mrs. Buerano then had the vision to offer a TRUE Simbang Gabi novena of nine consecutive days of masses with the blessing of the St. Ann pastor, Rev Vincent Gartland. On contacting many Filipinos of different parishes and having them petition their pastors, the nine day schedule was finally achieved.
Nine different churches throughout Mercer County now offer a mass starting on December 15 and ending December 23.
All the participants who attended these masses have a joyous time in celebrating the mass and the Filipino foods and refreshments that follow.