The Filipino Community of the Lower Hudson region will celebrate its traditional "Simbang Gabi" (Evening Mass or Missa De Gallo), a nine-day novena Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she becomes the Mother of God on Christmas Day. This is traditionally celebrated at pre-dawn beginning the 16th of December to the dawn of the 24th of December. This tradition came from the European Middle Ages' votive Mass known as "Rorate Coeli," and was introduced to the Philippines in the early 18th Century. This year, the Filipino community will celebrate its "Simbang Gabi" with eight Masses in three churches; Dec. 16-18 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shrub Oak; Dec. 19-20 at St. Ann's Church, Ossining, and Dec. 21-23 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac.  Masses will be celebrated in English/Filipino at 7:00pm.   All are welcome.