The award ceremony for the 2024 Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition was successfully held on January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Rua Formosa No. 5, Macao. The Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition has enjoyed enthusiastic participation from local schools over the years. The Associação Católica Cultural de Macau (ACCM) continues to organize this competition to promote this beautiful Christmas tradition. Distinguished guests at the award ceremony included the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Macau and Chairman of ACCM, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang, as well as local environmentalist and multimedia designer, Ms. Benvinda dos Santos.
The Christmas manger, portraying the birth of Jesus, is a significant element of the Christmas celebration. This year, ACCM is honored to have invited a panel of professional judges, including local Macao Catholics and a Catholic priest, who are distinguished in the fields of artistic creation and environmental protection. The judging panel featured Mr. Tomaz Mok, an internationally renowned figure in the advertising industry; Ms. Benvinda dos Santos, a local environmentalist and multimedia designer; and Fr. Joseph Tham, L.C., a Catholic priest, medical doctor, professor of bioethics, and artist.
In his speech, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang emphasized that 2025 marks the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church—a period centered on the message of “hope,” filled with mercy and grace. He pointed out that Macao is a blessed place, as reflected in the government’s efforts to decorate public spaces with Nativity scenes, showcasing the city's respect for and openness to religious culture. Bishop Lee expressed his hope that this competition would inspire schools to promote the message of Christmas love and peace. He also encouraged everyone to embrace the values of the Jubilee Year, fostering witnesses to “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and enabling all to glimpse hope for the future.
A total of 16 Catholic schools participated in this event, with an overwhelming response. The Judges' Award was presented to Escola São Paulo as the Champion, Colégio Diocesano de São José 5 as the First Runner-up, and Escola da Sagrada Família as the Second Runner-up. Honourable Mentions were awarded to Escola Dom João Paulino, Escola de Santa Madalena, and Colégio Mateus Ricci. The Creative Theme Award was won by Colégio Diocesano de São José 6, while the Best Environmental Awardwent to Instituto Salesiano. The Best Group Collaboration Award was given to Colégio de Santa Rosa de Lima - Secção Chinesa. The Internet Popularity Award was claimed by Escola São João de Brito - Secção Inglesa, which garnered the highest number of likes and loves (608) out of a total of 3,566 votes on the Facebook page during the voting period from December 13, 2024, to December 27, 2024.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition will expand into an inter-school competition open to all primary and secondary schools in Macao. Through this meaningful initiative, ACCM aims to continue promoting this cherished Christmas tradition, helping more students in Macao understand and preserve its significant cultural values.
(Judges' Award Champion - Escola São Paulo)