Exhibition of Nativity scenes in the Friary of Penha in Brazil
Open until the 6th January 2025
16 December 2024The Franciscans of the friary of Penha, in Vila Velha-ES, have organized the exhibition "Nativity Scenes of Penha - We are pilgrims of hope", with artistic representations from different countries, in different materials and settings. The exhibition is a tradition of the Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Penha and portrays the expressions of Jesus' Christmas through the characteristics of places such as Angola, Italy, Holland and Brazil, in manifold representations.
The inauguration took place during the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in the presence of the Guardian and Rector of the friary, Br. Djalmo Fuck. "It is very important for us to have an exhibition of nativity scenes, because it was St. Francis of Assisi who created the Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in the year 1223 The exhibition presents ten nativity scenes from different countries. It was a work organized and led by Br. Jorge Lázaro, who lived in Morocco, and made use of the help of volunteers such as Marcos Antoniazi, Ailton Tadeu and Penha Zanão," emphasized Br. Djalmo.
St. Francis wanted Christmas to remember with great respect the memory of the One who was born in Bethlehem and guaranteed salvation to all. "With this exhibition at the friay we want to say that God came for everyone. God loved us so much that He sent His Son for our salvation. The Child Jesus did not come only for a few, He came for the salvation of all, all languages, in all places, people, countries, situations... Realizing that Jesus was born for everyone makes us see what Pope Francis always says: we seek universal fraternity, because we are pilgrims of hope!" said Fr. Jorge Lázaro, head of the exhibition.
The exhibition of Nativity scenes will be open until the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord, on the 6th January, 2025. Admission is free and in addition to taking photographs, visitors can also pray in front of the replica of the image of Our Lady of Penha and learn more about the history of the friary and its founder, Br. Pedro Palácios. The exhibition hall is open daily, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Text and photos: Cristian Oliveira (Communications Office of the friary of Penha)
