The COVID-19 pandemic may have brought everything to a standstill, but the joys of Christmas—no matter how simple their manifestations are—cannot be stalled.
In UA&P, the life-sized Belen put up at the Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory last December brought a sense of normalcy to the mass goers. For more than a decade, UA&P students and guests have taken comfort in the peace and joy of praying in front of the Holy Family in the silence of Stella Orientis. The pandemic has made the University’s tradition of putting up the Nativity scene almost a necessity: people wanted to be reminded of the hope that the Baby Jesus brings.
The Stella Orientis display is complemented with the annual Belen-making competition that used to involve schools and units. The pandemic has pleasantly modified the contest into a family affair. For two years now, UA&P employees, helped by their family members, set up in their own homes a creché that interprets the given theme.
Last year’s winning Belens, which manifested most clearly the theme “The weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn,” were announced during the University Christmas Celebration held on December 15, 2021.
5th place: Mrs. Robelle Guevara and Family
4th Place: Ms. Janice Mercurio and Family
3rd place: Mr. Keith Panganiban and Family
2nd Place: Ms. Lynith Columna and Family
1st Place (grand winner): Ms. Lindsay Estacio and Family
Below are the other Belen entries.
Belen displays that are not entries to the competition have also been encouraged.
We thank everyone who participated in the Belen-making competition that helped keep the Christmas spirit alive in their homes and in their hearts.
Banner photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash.
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