Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rancagua (Agenzia Fides) - Between 21 and 22 December the Parish of Our Lady of Carmen in Rancagua celebrated the traditional Christmas feast with the little ones called “Navidad de los Príncipes”, Christmas of the Princes. About 200 children participated, respecting all the health measures for the prevention of Covid-19. In order to avoid contagion and at the same time not deprive the children of this moment of celebration in a particularly difficult year for them too, it was necessary to plan a new method of celebration.
As reported by the Chilean Bishops' Conference, the children arrived in the parish in
groups of 15 children, who for half an hour made a Christmas "tour". "The idea was - explained the pastoral workers of the parish - to carry out a circuit: at the moment of entering they were given a gift, then a bag of sweets and biscuits. Then they saw the manger and were able to participate in an activity of coloring a message to the Baby Jesus. They then were given a fruit juice and at the exit door they received an ice cream. Once the circuit was completed, the entire sector was sanitized so that the next group of children could enter".
According to those indicated by the organizing pastoral workers, the participants had to register through the social workers of Cesfam and the diocesan pastoral care of migrants, because this year, due to the pandemic, fewer children could be accepted compared to previous years. "The children's smile was the best reward for those who worked at this Christmas of Princes and for those who collaborated with the gifts", the organizers said. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 23/12/2020)
