Filipino Catholics gathered with those from the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey on Dec. 4 in Stratford to create traditional ornamental lanterns called parols. Reggie Ramos of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Sicklerville, top, helped children, teens, adults and seniors craft stars and adorn them with brightly colored tissue-like paper and other ornaments. Also in attendance was Tina Aquino, a member of the Diocese’s Filipino Apostolate, and her son and grandson, below, all from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden. The lanterns will be placed in homes to symbolize the star of Bethlehem; parols are also often used in the celebration of Simbang Gabi – a Filipino Catholic tradition of nine days of devotion and Masses leading up to Christmas. (Photos by Rich Hundley III)
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