The Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition has been highly participated in by local schools over the years. The award ceremony of 2022 Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition organized by the Macao Catholic Culture Association (ACCM) was successfully held on 7 January, 2023 at 11 AM, at ACCM’s office at Rua Formosa No. 2B R/C Macau. Distinguished guests presented at the award ceremony included the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Macau and Chairman of ACCM, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang; local environmentalist and multimedia designer, Ms. Benvinda dos Santos; and the Director of the Board of ACCM, Mr. Francisco Xavier Choi.
The Christmas manger, portraying the birth of Jesus, is an important part of Christmas. This year, ACCM is honored to have invited a panel of professional judges, who are local Macao Catholics and distinguished in the fields of artistic creation and environmental protection. The judging panel included Mr. Tomaz Mok, an internationally renowned legendary figure in the advertising industry and Ms. Benvinda dos Santos, a local environmentalist and multimedia designer.
Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang said in his speech, “Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year, which guides Catholics to live their ordinary life faithfully throughout the year. 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. The Holy Family is the most magnificent sight in the nativity scene, bringing out the message of love and peace. During the 2022 Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition, 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.”
Mr. Tomaz Mok, the chief judge, commented that the entries were very outstanding, and he was very touched to see such enthusiasm and interaction among teachers and students in the Catholic schools in Macau in this generation. It is great to see teachers, students, staff and parents working together to bring out the Good News through the making of the Nativity scene.
A total of 16 Catholic schools participated in this event and the response was overwhelming. The “Judges' Award” went to Escola Madalena de Canossa; as the Champion; Escola Santa Maria Mazzarello as the first runner-up; Escola da Sagrada Familia as the second runner-up; honorable mentions include Colégio Diocesano de São José, Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School and Escola São Paulo. The “Best Environmental Award” went to Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School. The “Best Group Collaboration Award” went to Escola de Santa Teresa, and the “Internet Popularity Award” was awarded to Instituto Salesiano, which received the most likes/loves (1,041 likes/loves), after a total of 3,176 votes from December 21, 2022 to December 30, 2022 at the Facebook Page.
(Escola Madalena de Canossa “Judges' Award”)