Experience Christmas at the Monastery
Christmas take on a deeper meaning when you wed your journey to that of Christians in the Holy Land. The Franciscan Monastery has a variety of special and liturgical events and prayer opportunities throughout the Christmas season.
For a full listing of events, visit our calendar of events.
December 2 – January 7
Warm your heart and see the Holy Family through the eyes of those from many other cultures as you view over 150 Nativities from countries all over the world. This special collection that speaks to the universality of our faith is on loan to the Monastery from Roger and Marguerite Sullivan.
Simbang Gabi 9-day Mass Novena
December 16 – 24
Join us for Simbang Gabi, nine consecutive days of pre-dawn masses in preparation for Christmas, Saturday December 16th through Sunday December 24th at 6:00 AM each morning. Fr. Brian Atienza, a student of canon law who is residing at the monastery, will preside. On Saturday Dec.23rd the Buklod Kaibigan Music Ministry will sing. All are welcome.
December 24
December 24 at 1:30 p.m. Join friars as we bless and light the luminaria, illuminating the Portico in remembrance of loved ones. You can dedicate a luminaria through December 13. Visit fmgg.org for details.
December 24 – 31
See the beautiful light of the luminaria, illuminating the Rosary Portico from Christmas Eve until the new year.
Christmas Vigil Mass
December 24
5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., & December 25th 12:00 a.m.
Procession to the Nativity grotto in the Lower Church following the midnight Mass.
Christmas Mass
December 25
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & noon
December 26
4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Join members of the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild for an open house in the Rosary Portico.
January 01
Masses will be held at 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m. Please note that the Franciscan Monastery will close after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.
January 7
Celebrate Epiphany as they do in the Holy Land by joining us for 10 a.m. Mass and the procession that follows. The statue of the Child Jesus will be carried in procession and reverenced with incense.
Experience the Holy Land every day by attending Sunday and daily Mass at the Monastery during the Christmas season.
Confession
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available throughout the Christmas season, Monday through Saturday on the hour at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m