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Saturday, December 8, 2007.  Catholics throughout the Archdiocese gathered to celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to usher in Simbang Gabi, a novena of Masses leading to the celebration of Our Lord's Nativity.  Here, Our Lady of Antipolo is carried in the entrance procession.


During the Gloria, stars descend from the oculus...




Deacon Fred Cordova proclaims the Gospel.


After the homily, parish representatives bring their parols forward to the altar for the prayer of blessing.


Archbishop Brunett blesses the parish representatives and their parols (star lanterns symbolizing the light of Christ) and commissions them to spread the Light of Christ and prepare for Christ's coming as they celebrate Simbang Gabi in their respective parishes.


Children present the gifts of bread and wine to Archbishop Brunett.


Young singers under the direction of Ella Rosana and Carmen Pelayre.




The heart of the celebration--Eucharist.


At the conclusion of the Mass, the Filipino community presented Archbishop Brunett with a lei in thanksgiving for his leadership through the past ten years.

Photos by M. Laughlin, St. James Cathedral, Seattle.  All rights reserved.