SW News: Pope Francis celebrated Simbang Gabi Mass for Rome’s Filipino community on Sunday, December 15 in St. Peter's basilica. Around 150 priests co-celebrated the mass with the Holy Father.

"In the Philippines, for centuries, there has been a novena in preparation for the Holy Christmas called Simbang-Gabi, 'Mass of the night'. During nine days the Filipino faithful gather at dawn in their parishes for a special Eucharistic celebration,” Pope Francis explained in his homily.

"Through this celebration we want to prepare ourselves for Christmas according to the spirit of the Word of God that we have listened to, remaining constant until the Lord's definitive coming," he said.

"We are called to be leaven in a society that often fails to taste the beauty of God and to experience the grace of its presence," Pope Francis reminded the Filipino community.

Holy Father encouraged them to share their “cultural and spiritual wealth” with others.

Grace Relucio-Princesa, Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See was also present at the mass.