Frankie Picciolo’s Christmas drawing earns national honor

By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor

Drawing is something Frankie Picciolo likes to do. He considers it a hobby.

But little did the 11-year-old sixth grader in St. Benedict School, Holmdel, know that his artistic skills would lead to his winning a national award.

Frankie was named one of 24 winners in the 2024-2025 annual Christmas Artwork Contest sponsored by the Missionary Child Association.

Frankie was recognized for his winning entry during the diocesan World Mission Sunday Mass that Father Peter James Alindogan celebrated Oct. 20 at St. Benedict Church. Father Alindogan is diocesan director of missions and pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell.

Beaming With Pride

Frankie’s mother, Melissa, said she and the entire family “are proud beyond words” that his artwork was among the winners.

“Frankie is an exceptional boy and a student who puts so much effort in all he does. I am so happy for him because I know how hard he works toward achieving his goals,” she said. “Frankie believed that it was possible to win. And here he is, with this wonderful acceptance of recognition. Frankie is truly happy he was selected because he believes sharing his talents, mission work and service is how we show and share God’s love with one another.”

An Artist’s Mind

Using crayons, Picciolo’s winning Christmas drawing depicted a manger scene showing a serene Blessed Mother holding the newborn Christ Child.

“I chose to do a drawing of Mary and Jesus because I felt like I could put a lot more detail in that piece,” he said. “I tried to put a lot of lines on the clothes to show it off from a more realistic point of view as wrinkles. I also tried to make a lot of strokes of shades of yellow to mimic the hay inside the stable.”

Picciolo acknowledged his art teacher, Audra Erkman, for inspiring him to draw religious art throughout the year and said how honored he was that his artwork garnered a national prize. He said he is even more heartened knowing that the longstanding tradition of the art contest helps to support the Church in different parts of the world and raises faith and prayers for children around the world.

“What I do like about art is that you can create things with the talents God gives you,” Picciolo said. “Knowing that I made something by myself and that it was recognized is really great. I am so proud that my artwork has been selected.”

The history of the MCA Christmas Artwork Contest dates to 1916, when the MCA produced the first Catholic Christmas seals in America to raise awareness of and support for the evangelizing work of the church in the missions. MCA has used children’s artwork on these seals since 1933. In 2005, MCA then introduced Christmas cards featuring the winning artwork in its annual contest. In all, 24 national winners were chosen.

The MCA, one of four Pontifical Mission Societies, promotes mission and global awareness while encouraging children to share their faith through their prayers and generosity. Every year, the MCA invites children in Catholic schools and parishes throughout the nation to submit their Christmas-themed drawings for the contest.

Father Alindogan, presents Frankie Picciolo with an award recognizing the sixth grade student’s artwork in the Missionary Childhood Association’s annual Christmas Artwork Contest. Matt Marzorati photo