Each year at Christmas, the Vatican selects a country to create a Nativity scene to be displayed in the Paul VI Audience Hall. This year it comes from Guatemala.
Now, the Nativity from Guatemala will be exhibited in the Paul VI Audience Hall.
A delegation from Guatemala attended the inaguration ceremony along with the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
MARIO BÚCARO FLORES
Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs
On behalf of all Guatemalans, I would like to express that this Nativity Scene, without a doubt, is a representation of the love and affection of our people towards the Catholic Church.
The design of the Nativity Scene is simple but striking. The display only depicts the Holy Family, who are dressed in typical Guatemalan clothing, and are accompanied by three large angels.
ORLANDO CORONADO
Director of Eventos Católicos
We didn't include shepherds or kings. We did include three angels though, who represent the glory of God. The phrase that inspired us for the scene was: “When Jesus was born, heaven was emptied because everyone worshiped a Savior.” So, the scene is Joseph, Mary and the Child, along with three angels in adoration.
The Nativity Scene also includes a symbol of Guatemala—the country's national flower, the “white nun,” as it is called in Spanish.
ORLANDO CORONADO
Director of Eventos Católicos
To represent our country, we included the “white nun,” which is the national flower of Guatemala. Between Joseph, Mary and the Child, a “white nun” is blossoming. This is our symbol of Guatemalan love at the heart of the manger.
The individuals chosen to design the Nativity are members of the Catholic media organization, Eventos Católicos, and formerly worked as goldsmiths, painters and sculptors. For them, it was a gift to be received by Pope Francis.
ORLANDO CORONADO
Director of Eventos Católicos
Eventos Católicos has 40 years of history in serving the Church. I think the logo represents that clearly. The cauldron is the Church, the fire is love and the Cross is Christ. The translation is 'the Church burning with love for Christ'.
We think that it's a wonderful gift to be here at the heart of our Catholic Church, and to be this close to Pope Francis.
The Guatemalan Nativity Scene will be in the Paul VI Audience Hall until January 8, along with the Nativity Scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square.
CA
TR: MG
