The Macao Catholic Culture Association (ACCM) said in a statement earlier this week that it held an award ceremony for the 2022 Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition on Saturday at the association’s office in Rua Formosa, with 16 Catholic schools having competed in the event.
“Admirabile signum” is Latin for a “admirable sign”. It is the title of an Apostolic Letter by Pope Francis, dated December 1, 2019, on the meaning and importance of the nativity scene.
The contest that, according to the statement, has had many local schools participating over the years, was also organised by the association.
Catholic Diocese of Macau Bishop and ACCM Chairman Stephen Lee Bun Sang was quoted by the statement as saying that “advent is the preparation for the Christmas season, and the nativity scene is the greatest symbol of Advent and Christmas, portraying the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s love for the people”.
Lee added that teachers, students and parents worked together to create a “Christmas manger that brings out the message and meaning of love, sharing and unity during the Advent and Christmas period” during the contest.
The statement noted that apart from Bishop Lee, the ceremony included guests such as local environmentalist and multimedia designer Benvinda dos Santos and ACCM Board Director Francisco Xavier Choi.
The association, according to the statement, invited judges who are local Catholics and “distinguished” in artistic creation and environmental protection fields. They included Tomaz Mok (莫康孫), a known figure in the advertising industry, and Santos.
Escola Madalena de Conossa received the “Judges’ Award” and was declared the champion, while Escola Santa Maria Mazzarello was the first runner-up. The second runner-up was Escola da Sagrada Família.
Meanwhile, Colégio Diocesano de São José, Our Lady of Fátima Girls’ School and Escola São Paulo received honourable mentions, while the “Best Environmental Award” went to Our Lady of Fátima Girls’ School. The statement added that Escola de Santa Teresa also received the “Best Group Collaboration Award”.
Instituto Salesiano, meanwhile, won the “Internet Popularity Award” after receiving the most likes/loves (1,041 in total), after garngering 3,176 votes from December 21 to December 30 on the contest Facebook Page, according to the statement.
This handout photo downloaded from the Macao Catholic Culture Association’s (ACCM) website shows students from Escola Madalena de Conossa, the champion and “Judges’ Award” winner, posing with Catholic Diocese of Macau Bishop and ACCM Chairman Stephen Lee Bun Sang (sixth from left).
