Awali – “Christmas time: let’s do something for the children.” From this desire expressed by the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia , Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., the idea arose, in addition to the numerous concerts organized by the communities, to launch an online Christmas Carol singing competition for children under 17 years old, with a group category limited to 15 members. Father Marcus Fernandez, OFM Cap., Delegate of the Pontifical Mission Societies of AVONA, wrote to Fides about this.
“Bishop Aldo told me: “Father, on December 6th the Church remembers St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. So plan something for the kids,” the Capuchin recounted. “Thus I have designed some activities: drawing and essay writing competition for the children in two categories—below 12 and from 13 to 17 years of age—with the theme: “St. Nicholas and his life story.” The Apostolic Vicar appreciated the project and gave a green signal. We named it “SERENADE: Let’s spread the Christmas joy,” Father Marcus continued, “and the parishes in our Vicariate, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, responded enthusiastically, and many groups have signed up. We will receive all recorded videos by December 17 and upload them to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@avonacatholic..
Father Marcus added, “Kids did a fantastic job and we have received many good painting and essays. A girl, commenting on the essay she had written, said: “Saint Nicholas’ life teaches us to care for others, share what we have, and spread goodness. Nowadays, many people make fun of Santa and forget that he was a holy and Kind bishop. We must remember Christmas is a holy time to be good, loving, and respectful.”
“On December 5, 2025, Friday, during the catechesis Mass, our bishop spoke to the children, asking them if they were preparing to celebrate Christmas. He talked about Saint John the Baptist, based on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent. He mentioned some saints and feast days of the month, like St. Lucy, the Immaculate Conception, and St. Nicholas, a good man, a bishop who loved children and the poor. He also emphasized that the lives of all the saints show how they prepared themselves to receive Jesus in their lives, inspired by Him and His Gospel, likewise, we too must prepare ourselves to receive Him.
“After the final blessing, we handed out the prizes to the winners of the drawing and essay contests, and gave chocolates to the children and the adults.”
Father Marcus concluded by adding that the ten parishes of the Vicariate will celebrate the Pontifical Holy Childhood Day from January 2nd to 4th, 2026. “We are planning something special for our children with the theme ‘Children United in the name of Christ.’”
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