Bangkok, 16 December 2020 -- New Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Millicent Cruz-Paredes took the opportunity to introduce herself to the Filipino community in Thailand for the first time during the first mass of Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo) 2020 held at the Holy Redeemer Church in Ruamrudee.

In keeping with the spirit of the Season of Advent, Ambassador Cruz-Paredes shared a personal reflection of gratitude and hope in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as it unfolded in the Philippines. She called on the Filipino community to count their blessings in every circumstance, and to distinguish between needs and wants in order to find and keep their joy. Recalling the story of Moses as he led the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt, crossing the desert on their way to the Promised Land, the Philippine envoy encouraged her newfound compatriots to keep a positive and cooperative attitude in order to overcome whatever challenges that may yet come their way.

Ambassador Cruz-Paredes was accompanied at the mass by Philippine Embassy officers and personnel, who participated in the Liturgy, the offertory procession, the lighting of the Advent candle and in the distribution of breakfast packs to all churchgoers.

The Simbang Gabi (Misa De Gallo) is a Filipino tradition of 9-day early morning masses held annually from 16 to 24 December at the Holy Redeemer Parish. Now in its 43rd year, the Simbang Gabi has also been replicated in other Catholic parishes across Bangkok.

Mrs. Elma Muangkroot and Mrs. Ruby Hoskin are charged with coordinating Filipino and Holy Redeemer parish volunteers in organizing Simbang Gabi 2020. END

About 300 Filipino churchgoers attended the first day of the Simbang Gabi (Misa De Gallo) sponsored by the Philippine Embassy.