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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Families encouraged to set up Belen in their homes this Advent Season

Families encouraged to set up Belen in their homes this Advent Season

Published Oct 28, 2023 03:16 am

Monsignor Geronimo Reyes, recto and parish priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño in Tondo, Manila is encouraging families to set up a Nativity Scene or Belen in their homes this Advent Season.

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The Nativity Scene (Photo courtesy of Catholic Online)

Msgr. Reyes said the custom of setting up a Belen in preparation for Christmas is a “beautiful practice and a powerful reminder that God is with us.”

“We open our hearts to Him who always lives within us,” the Church leader said in a CBCP News post.
 

On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, the Catholic Church will mark the 800th anniversary of the first known drawing of the Nativity scene which was done by St. Francis of Assisi, who put it in the cave of Greccio in Italy on Dec. 24, 1223.

Msgr. Reyes said the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, which will be observed on Dec. 17 would be a good time for families to start setting up the Belen as well as other Christmas decorations like lanterns.

“I am encouraging all families and barangay communities to set up the Nativity scene and to hang lanterns in celebration of the joyous season,” said Msgr. Reyes.

The Church leader also reminded the faithful about the importance of the traditional “Via Gaudosa” (Way of Joy) and the “Daan ng Tuwa” prayer books.

Parishes through the Manila Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission are set to hand out prayer booklets for the Blessing of Christmas Cribs and the Veneration of the Infant Jesus at Home to spread awareness on the tradition.

help with this beloved practise. You can get these from the Manila Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission.
 

In his 2019 Apostolic Letter entitled “Admirabile Signum,” Pope Francis stressed the significance of the Nativity scene. The Pontiff encouraged the setting up of the Belen in homes, in places of work, schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares.

The Advent Season begins on Dec. 3, the First Sunday of Advent and culminates with the Christmas Eve mass on Dec. 24.

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