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LIVING THE FAITH THROUGH WORD AND DEED: FIRST SIMBANG GABI AT THE KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN

Dec. 19, 2025 08:04 AM

Manila Philippines – December 15, 2025

The first night of the Simbang Gabi novena Mass was celebrated at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, Manila City Hall, led by Rev. Fr. Ramon Jade, Rector and Parish Priest. The Novena will continue from December 15 to 23, held daily at 6:00 PM, as part of the faithful’s spiritual preparation for Christmas.

In his homily, father Jade shared a deeply moving personal experience from his former parish in Pasay an encounter that beautifully illustrated the true meaning of faith lived not only through words, but more importantly through actions.

He recalled two elderly parishioners, Nanay Pacita and Nanay Lingling, who always attended Simbang Gabi together. Their presence was noticeable as they would enter the church side by side, often walking through the center aisle. Curious, he once asked how they managed to complete the nine days of Simbang Gabi despite their age.

Their answer was both simple and profound. Nanay Pacita could barely walk after suffering a hip fracture due to an accident, while Nanay Lingling was almost blind because of cataracts. Despite their physical limitations, they were able to attend Simbang Gabi faithfully because they helped one another—one became the eyes, the other the feet. Together, they fulfilled their devotion.

From this story, Fr. Jade emphasized two essential elements of Christian life: WORD and DEED.

He cited a passage from the Bible stating that the clearest proof that the Son was sent by the Father is shown not merely through words, but through actions, conduct, and way of life. Words are important, but they must be supported by action. Faith cannot survive on promises and eloquent speech alone must be lived out.

The message resonated even more deeply because the Mass was held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, a historic site rich in Filipino values and national identity. The “Kartilya” is a moral guide written by Andres Bonifacio, and one of its teachings—the sixth principle—states: “For a person with honor, a word is a sacred oath.”

This means that a person with dignity and self-respect values their word, treats it as a commitment, and lives by it. Even Emilio Jacinto, whose ideals are closely linked to the Kartilya, upheld the unity of words and action. Being in this place reminds everyone that both faith and patriotism must be expressed through concrete deeds.

He concluded his homily with a heartfelt prayer for the nation: “We pray for our country and all our people without exception, whether leaders or ordinary citizens, public servants or members of the community. May our faith be seen through our actions. May our recognition of God also lead us to recognizes our fellow Filipinos as brothers and sisters. In our own lives, may we prove to God that we are sincere in all that we profess, so that His plan may be fulfilled—a nation for Him, a blessed people, and a community whose faith is evident in how they live.”

The first Simbang Gabi at the Kartilya ng Katipunan was more than a religious gathering it was a powerful reminder that true faith is written in everyday life, through words, and even more so, through deeds.

Ara David Cubinar | Social Communications