Simbang Gabi

Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of hope on a journey to Jesus

We again invite you to participate in this annual pre-Christmas novena beloved by Filipino Catholics everywhere. Join Filipinos from these parishes in preparing for the birth of our Savior by honoring the Virgin Mother. Invite family and friends, Filipino and non-Filipino.

2025 registration is now open. Themes are indicated on the online registration form. Deadline will be October 15, 2025. Other resources will be posted soon.

Any questions, please use the following e-mail [email protected].

Online registration

Day 1 – Longing for the Savior

A longing for the Savior implies that we realize that there is emptiness in our lives that only Jesus can fill. There always has to be a certain emptiness because the moment we think the hole has been filled we begin to think that we no longer need God.

How do we fill the emptiness of our lives? With things that lead us to Jesus or away from him?

7 p.m.

St. Julie Billiart, 7399 W. 159th St.; Tinley Park
708.429.6767
Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.1492
Holy Archangels, 729 Grand Canyon St.; Hoffman Estates
847.885.7700
St. Therese Little Flower, 2600 Sunset Ave.; Waukegan
847.623.5050

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: God sent John the Baptist to remind the people of their need to change their way of life. In prayer, let us ask God the Father to help us attain genuine conversion.

Lector:

That the Holy Father and the bishops of the Church may inspire people to trust in God amidst life’s difficulties. We pray to the Lord.
That those who are struggling in their faith may experience and recognize God working in their lives. We pray to the Lord.
That parents and teachers may pass on the faith to the young people of our time by their witness and examples. We pray to the Lord.
That the sick may share in the hope and joy of the Advent season. We pray to the Lord.
That the dead may enjoy their eternal reward in heaven. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: God our Father, during this time of novena, help us follow the example of St. John the Baptist. May we make straight the path that will lead all people to following you more faithfully. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 2 – Chosen People

As God’s Chosen People, there is something that makes us different from the rest of humanity—not better but simply called to a higher standard. When people sense there is something that sets us apart from the rest, then we will not attract anyone to join The Way of Christ.

What fear prevents us from living as God’s Chosen People knowing that the world does not value what we value?

6:30 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.1492

6:30 p.m.

St. Mary of the Lake/OL Lourdes, 4200 N. Sheridan Rd.; Chicago
773.280.7700

7 p.m.

Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
St. Fabian, 7450 W. 83rd St.; Bridgeview
708.599.1110
St. Brigid-St. Patrick, 15000 W. Wadsworth Rd.; Wadsworth
847.872.8778
Queen of Apostles, 2330 W. Sunnyside Ave.; Chicago
773.539.7510

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: In prayer, we now approach God the Father who has power and authority over all things and unload the burden that weigh us down.

Lector:

That those who exercise authority in the Church may be filled with gentleness, humility, and love. We pray to the Lord.
That those who are in authority may be guided in making decisions by wisdom based on love, justice, and truth. We pray to the Lord.
That all may seek more to love and be loved rather than create an atmosphere of repression and fear. We pray to the Lord.
That the sick may find healing and consolation through God’s Word and the sacraments. We pray to the Lord.
That the dead may be brought safely home in heaven. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Heavenly Father, we rejoice in your abundant love for us. Establish your authority within us and be our companion on the road of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 3 – Incarnation

God became fully human. He did not simply “appear” to be human as if it was some sort of disguise. The Incarnation challenges us to see the face of God in ourselves and in every human being regardless of who that human being might be.

Who are the people in whom we have a difficult time seeing the face of God? Can we start by at least acknowledging that even they are loved by God as much as God loves us?

6:30 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.1492

7 p.m.

Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
St. Joseph the Worker, 181 W. Dundee; Wheeling
847.537.2740
St. Michael, 14327 Highland Ave.; Orland Park
708.349.0903
Most Blessed Trinity, 508 Grand Ave.; Waukegan
847.623.2655

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: As a frail and weak people, we bring our petitions before our heavenly Father who, in his mercy and love, wants us to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.

Lector:

That our pastors may follow God’s will and seek the good of all especially the poor and the less privileged. We pray to the Lord.
That as a community, we may recognize the goodness in each other, show charity to all we meet and refrain from judging or condemning the wayward. We pray to the Lord.
That those who have lost their way and are feeling the pain of loneliness, anxiety, and rejection may find hope in the mercy and love of God. We pray to the Lord.
That the sick, the homebound, and those who are suffering may be encouraged and strengthened by the knowledge of God’s love for them. We pray to the Lord.
That those who have died may be forgiven of their sins and rest in the peace of heaven forever. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Heavenly Father, may the power of your love always sustain us. Help us not to get distracted by the cares of the world and not to be overcome by the evil in our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 4 – Conversion

Sin was never never part of God’s plan. We messed things up when our first parents—Adam and Eve—chose to go against God’s plan. Christ’s coming naturally calls us to set aside whatever does not reflect the Image and Likeness of God in which we were created.

When was the last time we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation? If it has been a long time, what is holding us back from seeking God’s grace in that Sacrament?

6:30 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.1492

6:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 708 W. Belmont Ave.; Chicago
773.249.7080

7 p.m.

Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
St. Raphael the Archangel, 40000 North US Hwy 45; Old Mill Creek
847.395.3474
St. Albert the Great, 8000 Linder Ave.; Burbank
708.423.0321

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: In union with St. Joseph, the man of great faith, let us make our prayers together as God’s family, to the true Father of all.

Lector:

That our spiritual fathers may, like St. Joseph, mirror God’s love by their fatherly care. We pray to the Lord.
That government officials, like St. Joseph, may be sensitive and discerning of God’s plan as it unfolds in the day to day events of life. We pray to the Lord.
That fathers may show special love and concern for their families through their diligence and edifying life. We pray to the Lord.
That those who are undergoing crises in their personal and family life may have the hope and faith of St. Joseph. We pray to the Lord.
That through the intercession of St. Joseph, the dying may find consolation in their last hours. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: O Lord, help us to be united as one family under your Fatherhood. May we always remember that you are God who is truly with us. Help us always to be an inspiration to others of the ways you remain always with them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 5 – Peace – the Song of Angels

Peace is not so much the “absence of war.” Despite our best efforts, we will never be completely rid of war, violence, or division. Peace, rather, is the constant awareness that even in dark days God is always at work. When we lose sight of God, we lose peace.

With all the turmoil that can oftentimes surround us, what are steps we can take always to keep sight of God’s face?

6:30 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.1492

6:30 p.m.

Old St. Mary’s, 1500 S. Michigan Ave.; Chicago
312.922.3444
St. Catherine Laboure, 3425 Thornwood Ave.; Glenview
847.729.1414
St. Gregory of Nyssa, 1451 W. Bode Rd.; Schaumburg
847.882.7580

7 p.m.

Sacred Heart, 8245 W. 111th St.; Palos Hills
708.974.3336
All Saints, 8101 W. Golf Rd.; Niles
847.967.1060
Cardinal Cupich
Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
Mary Undoer of Knots, 4646 N. Austin Ave.; Chicago
773.777.2666
St. Mary of the Annunciation, 22333 W. Erhart Rd.; Mundelein
847.548.3411

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: God is never outdone in generosity. In due time, He will grant the aspirations of His people. In confidence, we implore Him.

Lector:

That even in the midst of uncertainties, we may continue to trust in the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
That like Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents may welcome children with love and responsibility. We pray to the Lord.
That there may be many young people who will generously respond to the call to the priestly and religious life. We pray to the Lord.
That the Lord may heal the sick and bring comfort to the dying. We pray to the Lord.
That our departed loved ones may be welcomed into the joy of God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Lord, fill us with your Spirit that we may welcome our Savior with joy and gladness. Guide us through the doubts we experience to know that you alone can make the impossible possible. Through Christ our Lord.

Day 6 – Nostalgia – Longing for Home

Nostalgia comes from a Greek word that means “longing for home.” In this case, the home we long for must be God’s eternal home. We are not there yet but we ought to have a daily desire to get there.

How badly do we want to get to heaven and what are we doing now to make sure we get there?

8:15 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.1492

4:30 p.m.

Mary, Mother of God, 5545 N Paulina St; Chicago
773.561.5346

5 p.m.

Blessed Miguel Pro, 3318 S. Clarence Ave.; Berwyn
708.484.0015
Mary Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 601 Biesterfield Rd.; Elk Grove Village
847.979.0901
St. Carlo Acutis, 2226 N. Hoyne Ave.; Chicago
773.846.1660
St. Edward, 4350 W. Sunnyside; Chicago
773.545.6496
St. Mother Theodore Guerin, 3020 N. 76th Ct; Elmwood Park
708.453.2555
Our Lady of Ransom, 8634 W. Normal Ave.; Niles
847.826.2550
Our Lady of the Wayside, 434 W. Park St.; Arlington Heights
847.253.5353
Holy Family, 2515 W. Palatine Rd.; Inverness
847.359.0042
Santa Maria Del Popolo, 116 N. Lake St.; Mundelein
847.949.8300

6:30 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist, 502 S. Park Blvd; Streamwood
630.837.6500

7 p.m.

St. Helen-OL Unit,y 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
St. Mary of Celle, 1428 Wesley Ave.; Berwyn
708.788.0876
St. Mary of Vernon, 236 US-45; Indian Creek
847.362.1005
St. Gerald, 9310 S. 55th Ct.; Oak Lawn
708.422.0234
Queen of All Saints, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave.; Chicago
773.736.6060
Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St.; Chicago
312.787.8040

7:30 p.m.

Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: Let us pray that we may be able to follow the example of Mary who is humble, full of faith, and always ready to do the Lord’s will.

Lector:

That we, as God’s People, advance in our faith journey with the guidance and teachings of our pastors. We pray to the Lord.
That our government officials promote peace and seek the wellbeing of their citizens. We pray to the Lord.
That young people be firm in their faith, generous in their love, and steadfast in their hope. We pray to the Lord.
That the sick may never lose their faith and trust in Gods’ power to heal. We pray to the Lord.
That the dead who responded to God’s invitation share in the joy of the Master’s table. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Father, your eternal Word was made man when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. May we follow her example in preparing for the coming of Our Savior. Through Christ, our Lord.

Day 7 – Joy

Like peace, joy does not imply that there will never be struggle in our lives. There will always be challenges some of which might seem too heavy to bear. Joy, however, is that constant awareness that there is purpose in our lives whenever we live for God rather than for ourselves.

When people look at us do they see a person of joy or someone who has lost his/her way?

7 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.1492

3:30 p.m.

St. Monica/St. Rosalie, 5136 N. Nottingham Ave.; Chicago
773.763.1661

5 p.m.

Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
Queen of Peace, 8747 W. Lawrence Ave.; Chicago
773.775.6659
St. Peter Damian, 131 S. Crest Ave.; Bartlett
630.837.5411
St. Benedict, 2215 W. Irving Park Rd.; Chicago
773.588.6484
St. Gilbert, 301 E. Belvidere Rd.; Grayslake
847.223.4731
St. Padre Pio, 5601 N. California Ave.; Chicago
773.561.3474

6 p.m.

Our Lady of Mercy, 4432 N. Troy St.; Chicago
773.588.2620

7 p.m.

St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
St. Francis of Assisi, 15050 Wolf Rd.; Orland Park
708.717.6113
Prince of Peace, 135 S. Milwaukee Ave.; Lake Villa
847.356.7915

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: Elizabeth was honored by the visit from the Mother of her Lord. But, Mary only wished to share her joy. Let us bring our prayers to the Father who cherished these chosen women.

Lector:

That the Church be zealous in spreading the Good News of salvation to all people especially to those in far-flung areas. We pray to the Lord.
That government leaders show special concern for the poor and the marginalized by their programs and services. We pray to the Lord.
That families and communities show gratitude for their individual and communal blessings. We pray to the Lord.
That, like Mary, we may strive to reach out to our neighbors who are in dire need of our material and spiritual assistance. We pray to the Lord.
That our beloved dead experience the joy of God’s presence in His Kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: God our Father, you manifest your presence among us in the generosity of our brothers and sisters. May we continue to make your love real in the world through our lives of service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 8 – Mary’s Womb

Church buildings have oftentimes been symbolic of Mary’s womb because in it dwelt the Body of Christ. When gathered in a church building, the Body of Christ—the Church—is given birth once again when told at the end of Mass to go out into the world to fulfill the work of salvation.

Mary gave birth to Jesus so that he can fulfill his mission as Savior. Do we see ourselves as those who are called to save souls?

6:30 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.14928

7 p.m.

Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
St. Peter Damian, 131 S. Crest Ave.; Bartlett
630.837.5411
St. Joseph, 114 Lincoln Ave.; Round Lake
847.546.3610

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: Following the example of Mary, we praise and thank God the Father who, out of the abundance of his generosity, gave us His Only Son as our Savior and Redeemer.

Lector:

That the Holy Father and the bishops of the Church may, like Mary, listen to the Word of God and spare no effort in spreading it. We pray to the Lord.
That mothers may look to Mary as true refuge and source of hope in moments of trials and sufferings. We pray to the Lord.
That by giving Mary a place of honor in our lives and in our homes, we may deepen our appreciation of her Son. We pray to the Lord.
That through the intercession of Mary, the poor and the oppressed may be liberated from their condition. We pray to the Lord.
That the dead may be welcomed into the company of the saints and join Mary in the eternal praise of God. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the message of peace that Mary brings to our troubled world. Give us the help we need each day to be faithful to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 9 – The Christian Family

As Christians, there is something that sets us apart even more because of our faith in Jesus as the Christ. We must be the examples that we want others to follow. We must be Jesus for others—willing to love, willing to suffer, willing to die, and willing to give life.

Has anyone ever told us that we were like Jesus for them? If not, what do we need to do to communicate that more clearly?

6:30 a.m.

Sts Peter & Lambert, 8116 Niles Center Rd.; Skokie
847.673.14928

7 p.m.

Holy Child Jesus, 2324 W. Chase Ave.; Chicago
773.764.0615
St. Helen-OL Unity, 2315 W. Augusta Blvd.; Chicago
773.235.3575
St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr, 17500 S. 84th Ave.; Tinley Park
708.342.2400
Bishop Fedek
St. Paul the Apostle, 6401 Gages Lake Rd.; Gurnee
847.918.0600

8 p.m.

Mary, Mother of Martyrs, 1280 Prospect Ave.; Des Plaines
847.824.2026

Click here for readings in Tagalog.

Sample General Intercessions

Presider: Zechariah called his son “John” which means “God is gracious.” Trusting in God’s graciousness and generosity, we pray.

Lector:

That the Church and government leaders may truly show God’s graciousness by their loving and persevering service to God’s People. We pray to the Lord.
That we may appreciate our Christian name and dignity and live up to our baptismal promises. We pray to the Lord.
That families may renew their love, solidarity, and support for one another. We pray to the Lord.
That the sick may receive comfort and consolation from the prayers and encouragements of their families and friends. We pray to the Lord.
That the dead may finally enter the home of our heavenly Father. We pray to the Lord.

Presider: Lord God, may the life of John the Baptist inspire us to greater holiness. Fill us with his spirit as we work in the service of your people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

For readings in English, visit the USCCB website at usccb.org.

For readings in Tagalog, you can use this online resource: awitatpapuri.com

NB—Tagalog readings may not be available on the website until closer to December.