Christmas in the Philippines won’t be as colourful 
and joyful without these parols. They have become our Christmas tradition and have adorn our homes, offices and business establishments.
This is such a precious and popular tradition that we, the elders of our community here in Canada, must continue to promote and share with our children and younger generation of Filipino Canadians so that they will know, learn, and appreciate the value we attach to this precious traditions, and do their part in passing them to their own children and so on, so these traditions don’t die a natural death and be lost forever.
Promoting our cultural traditions is a goal that we must all share and agree to work together as a community. Our culture defines us as Filipinos. Who are we, without our barong Tagalogs, our beautiful folk dances, and our songs, our language, our Simbang Gabi, our parols?
Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) realizes the importance and value of our culture, that is why we are again organizing the Parol Making Project 2015. This task is not without challenges and difficulties. For years, some courageous individuals and groups have tried to organize parol-making projects only to give up after 2 or 3 years later for lack of funds and public support. MHHS faces the same problems, too. We don’t get funding for this project from our regular funders. We are reaching out to our community to share with us the burden and responsibility of promoting and keeping these traditions Alive for future generations.
Last year’s parol-making competition was a huge success. Prizes of $500.00, $300.00, and $200.00 were given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd best parol entries respectively. As promised, we gave the winning parols to the city government of Vancouver, Richmond, and Surrey as gifts of MHHS on behalf of the Filipino Community. These gifts were warmly and gratefully accepted and acknowledged.
We wish to thank our sponsors who share with us this mission of preserving and promoting this popular tradition of Making Parols to usher in the celebration of Christmas. Thank you for your encouragement and support.
The entire Simbang Gabi Mass on T.V?
Another milestone has been reached in our efforts to promote Simbang Gabi, our most cherished tradition, in the Archdiocese. Fr. Pierre Leblond, parish priest of St. Mary’s Parish granted permission to have one of our Simbang Gabi Masses covered on T.V. This will be a challenge to Reyfort Media and their television crew because our masses are celebrated early in the morning at 6 o’clock everyday. We hope and pray that they will consider and accept our invitation. It could lead to T.V coverage of our regular Sunday Masses, like the ones they have in the Philippines.
This is one venture that will not only boost our image and prestige in the community but also help those who cannot go to church on Sundays and would love to hear mass in the language they can understand. If and when this eventually happens, we will need sponsors to cover our expenses. I’m sure there are generous families or organizations out there who can help. I know of one group who can. This is a win win situation for St. Mary’s Parish and for our community. What do you think? Please include this special intention in your prayers.
Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!!!!!
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