Photo Release

Photo (upper left) Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Consul Ma. Theresa M. Aders lead the

offertory of bread and wine; (upper middle) Consul General Diano delivers her remarks; (lower left) Holy

Mass at the St. Helen Catholic Church; (upper right) Rev. Fr. Arnel T. Dionaldo, Consul General Diano and

Rev. Fr. Clausio Diaz Jr. pose at the sidelines of the salo-salo at the St. Helen School gym after the Holy

Mass; (lower right) Group photo with Consul General Diano, Rev. Fr. Diaz, Rev. Fr. Dionaldo and the rest

of the PCG officers and staff.

16 December 2025 - The Philippine Consulate General joined the Filipino Community in celebrating the first night of the traditional Filipino Christmas Novena, Simbang Gabi, held on 15 December 2025 at the St Helen Catholic Church (Our Lady of Unity Parish) in Chicago, Illinois.

Reverend Frs. Claudio Diaz Jr. and Arnel T. Dionaldo celebrated the Holy Mass and led the congregation in prayer. Consul General Diano later delivered her remarks to the Filipino Catholic community, emphasizing the importance of faith and the strong Filipino spirit during the Christmas season. Following the mass, a simple reception or salu-salo was held at the church's gym, providing an opportunity for parishioners to gather, share Filipino delicacies, and sing along with Christmas carols in a festive and warm atmosphere. [END]