The awarding ceremony of 2023 Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition was successfully held on January 6, 2024 at 11 AM, at Rua Formosa No. 5, Macau. The Admirabile Signum Nativity Competition has been highly participated in by local schools over the years.  The Macao Catholic Culture Association (ACCM) continues to organise this competition to promote this wonderful Christmas tradition.   Distinguished guests presented at the award ceremony included the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Macau and Chairman of ACCM, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang; internationally renowned legendary figure in the advertising industry, Mr. Tomaz Mok; and Director of the Board of ACCM, Mr. Francisco Xavier Choi.

 

The Christmas manger, portraying the birth of Jesus, is an important part of Christmas.  This year, ACCM is honoured to have invited a panel of professional judges, who are local Macao Catholics and distinguished in the fields of artistic creation and environmental protection.  The judging panel included Mr. Tomaz Mok, an internationally renowned legendary figure in the advertising industry and Ms. Benvinda dos Santos, a local environmentalist and multimedia designer.

 

Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang said in his speech, “Advent is about preparing our hearts and minds for Christmas, and the preparation of Christmas manger is one of the ways to do so.  The nativity scene conveys the virtues of Jesus Christ, and the message of peace and love.  This competition not only involves the participation of students, but also the guidance of teachers and the help of parents, and the whole school is united as one.  Through this competition, not only is the Christmas atmosphere in the school enhanced, but also the message of love is spread.  It is not about the ranking, but about the message of love and peace, and the school uses the manger as a teaching material to spread the message of love and peace of Jesus Christ.”

 

The chief judge, Mr. Tomaz Mok said, “’Truth Well Told’ comes from the brand concept of an American global advertising agency network, McCann.  The birth of Jesus is 'Truth'; the Bible is 'Truth'; the nativity scene is 'Truth'. "Well Told" means how to deliver the message in a skillful way, using various multimedia methods as a means of presentation.  Teamwork is very important in the process of creation.”

 

A total of 12 Catholic schools participated in this event and the response was overwhelming. The “Judges' Award” went to Escola da Sagrada Família as the Champion; Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School as the First Runner-up; Colégio de Santa Rosa de Lima - Secção Chinesa as the Second Runner-up; Honourable Mentions include, Escola Madalena de Canossa, Colégio Diocesano de São José and Escola Dom Luís Versíglia.  The “Creative Theme Award” went to Escola da Sagrada Família. The “Best Environmental Award” went to Instituto Salesiano.  The “Best Group Collaboration Award” went to Escola São Paulo, and the “Internet Popularity Award” was awarded to Escola Madalena de Canossa, which received the most likes/loves (436 likes/loves), from a total of 1,682 votes from December 15, 2023 to December 28, 2023 in the Facebook Page.