Lakewood parish hosts hall-filling Nativity scene display
December 26, 2024 at 12:23 p.m.
The tradition of creating houses of gingerbread and confections for decoration is familiar to many – but what about a Nativity scene display? Such is the sight greeting those who visit the Holy Family Church/Gym of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood.
"A magical tunnel adorned with lights, Christmas symbols, banners and music guides parishioners from the church to the gym, where hundreds of Nativity scenes of various sizes—big, medium, and small—are on display," said Father Guilherme Andrino, parish pastor. "Some were simple creations by little children, painted on paper, while others were elaborate works crafted by children and their parents. Additionally, the Polish community decorated part of the hallway with Polish Christmas symbols and music."
Using all manner of materials – fresh greenery, cardboard, sparkling garland, bright construction paper, straw and basket fillers, molded and handmade figurines – students and parents of the parish’s religious education program were invited in October to recreate the stable at Bethlehem and its iconic scenes of shepherds and kings visiting the Holy Family. About 320 scenes were created in all.
The Nativity scene display will remain open to visitors Dec. 26 and 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., Dec. 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. and Dec. 29 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This event was inspired three years ago when Father Andrino was preparing the Christmas Nativity scene at the church. He envisioned bringing the spirit of Christmas into the Religious Education program (which has more than 700 children).
Last year, Father Guilherme shared his idea with Sister Maria Gloria Cunha, director of religious education. With her support, the idea quickly spread to the teachers, who then involved parents and students. The community warmly embraced the initiative.
Since mid-November, the parish religious education office has been overflowing with Nativity scenes, necessitating the use of the community center to accommodate them all. On Dec. 22, parents, children and teachers came together to transform the hallway and gym of Holy Family Church/School into a festive exhibition space.
"One notable display is a Nativity scene sent by the Shimonovich family, officers from the Lakewood Police Department, featuring police cars and officers attending the birth of Jesus, symbolizing the police's respect for this significant moment in the Catholic Church," said Father Andrino.
Professional photographer Andreia Andre was available at the display opening to take family Christmas pictures with professional backdrops, providing many families with their first opportunity for a professional family photo.
"Many participants have already expressed their excitement for next year, eager to create even more impressive Nativity scenes," said Father Andrino. "Several of our older parishioners were moved to tears, walking through the gym and witnessing the love and care evident in each Nativity scene."
Father Pedro Bou, who has been a priest for 50 years, remarked that it was the most beautiful display he had ever seen.
Father Andrino was deeply touched when a longtime parishioner approached him, smiled broadly, and touched his face, saying it was "the best thing that could have happened to her this Christmas."
Andre was also very emotional while capturing the images. "She heard many heartwarming stories," Father Andrino said, "including one woman who was visiting her family from Mexico after a 30-year separation; having their picture taken together made her visit even more special."
Father Andrino has shared photos and several video walkthroughs of the display on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/guilherme.andrino.9.
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The tradition of creating houses of gingerbread and confections for decoration is familiar to many – but what about a Nativity scene display? Such is the sight greeting those who visit the Holy Family Church/Gym of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood.
"A magical tunnel adorned with lights, Christmas symbols, banners and music guides parishioners from the church to the gym, where hundreds of Nativity scenes of various sizes—big, medium, and small—are on display," said Father Guilherme Andrino, parish pastor. "Some were simple creations by little children, painted on paper, while others were elaborate works crafted by children and their parents. Additionally, the Polish community decorated part of the hallway with Polish Christmas symbols and music."
Using all manner of materials – fresh greenery, cardboard, sparkling garland, bright construction paper, straw and basket fillers, molded and handmade figurines – students and parents of the parish’s religious education program were invited in October to recreate the stable at Bethlehem and its iconic scenes of shepherds and kings visiting the Holy Family. About 320 scenes were created in all.
The Nativity scene display will remain open to visitors Dec. 26 and 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., Dec. 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. and Dec. 29 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This event was inspired three years ago when Father Andrino was preparing the Christmas Nativity scene at the church. He envisioned bringing the spirit of Christmas into the Religious Education program (which has more than 700 children).
Last year, Father Guilherme shared his idea with Sister Maria Gloria Cunha, director of religious education. With her support, the idea quickly spread to the teachers, who then involved parents and students. The community warmly embraced the initiative.
Since mid-November, the parish religious education office has been overflowing with Nativity scenes, necessitating the use of the community center to accommodate them all. On Dec. 22, parents, children and teachers came together to transform the hallway and gym of Holy Family Church/School into a festive exhibition space.
"One notable display is a Nativity scene sent by the Shimonovich family, officers from the Lakewood Police Department, featuring police cars and officers attending the birth of Jesus, symbolizing the police's respect for this significant moment in the Catholic Church," said Father Andrino.
Professional photographer Andreia Andre was available at the display opening to take family Christmas pictures with professional backdrops, providing many families with their first opportunity for a professional family photo.
"Many participants have already expressed their excitement for next year, eager to create even more impressive Nativity scenes," said Father Andrino. "Several of our older parishioners were moved to tears, walking through the gym and witnessing the love and care evident in each Nativity scene."
Father Pedro Bou, who has been a priest for 50 years, remarked that it was the most beautiful display he had ever seen.
Father Andrino was deeply touched when a longtime parishioner approached him, smiled broadly, and touched his face, saying it was "the best thing that could have happened to her this Christmas."
Andre was also very emotional while capturing the images. "She heard many heartwarming stories," Father Andrino said, "including one woman who was visiting her family from Mexico after a 30-year separation; having their picture taken together made her visit even more special."
Father Andrino has shared photos and several video walkthroughs of the display on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/guilherme.andrino.9.