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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL CELEBRATES THE 5TH DAY OF SIMBANG GABI AT ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Philippine Consulate General, led by Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, celebrated the Simbang Gabi organized by St. Michael Catholic Church and the Joliet Diocese Simbang Gabi Eastern Cluster, and in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General, Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago, El Shaddai Bolingbrook Chapter, World Apostate of Fatima-Joliet Division and Support Group for Filipino seminaries-USA. The occasion was successfully held on 19 December 2025 at St Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton, Illinois.
The Mass was presided over by Reverend Santos "Sunny" Castillo, with co-celebrants Reverend John Abulag, Reverend Jacob Kolawole, and Reverend Karolus Bale, SVD. The celebration was a spiritual gathering that reflected the Filipino faith and cultural heritage during the Advent season.
Following the Mass, attendees enjoyed a simple "salu salo" of traditional Filipino foods and community bonding. Consul General Diano, in her remarks, encouraged Filipinos to vote in the 2028 elections. She also promoted the VIP Tour 2026, an upcoming initiative aimed at showcasing the Philippines’ rich culture and tourism opportunities.