With the beginning of the Strennas Novenas that are made around the mangers, the story of the arrival of José and María in Bethlehem is told. In Neiva, the parishes are the epicenter of the Strennas Novenas that take place in the different neighborhoods, and this is how these beautiful nativity scenes look.
“The nativity scene is like a living Gospel that comes out of the pages of Holy Scripture”, is how Pope Francis defines the nativity. In Colombia, the majority of the population commemorates and counts the days for the arrival of the Child Jesus; In the Novena de Aguinaldos, families and friends gather to share a moment of spirituality. In the department of Huila and in Neiva, this deeply rooted Catholic custom is celebrated for nine days, from December 16 to 24, when the expected Child of God is born.
Thousands of homes in Neiva perform the traditional nativity scene, and of course the Catholic Church is not far behind, since many parishioners come to pray the Novena and admire the representation of the birth of Jesus Christ that the Supreme Pontiff specifies as an “exercise in fantasy creative” in which they usually use simple materials to create a work of great beauty.
“You learn from childhood: when mom and dad, together with grandparents, pass on this joyful tradition, which contains a rich popular spirituality. I hope this practice never weakens; What’s more, I am confident that, where it had fallen into disuse, it will be rediscovered and revitalized”, says the Vicar of Christ.
Christmas carols liven up the Christmas Novenas, which are lived as a family, from the oldest to the youngest participate in this religious custom, and at the same time, they can admire the creations of the parishioners who collaborate with the elaboration of the nativity scenes.
In the midst of this spiritual space, thanks are given to God for the blessings received, and the deepest desires are asked with faith, such as peace, joy, health, and of course, the care and protection of the sweet child of Nazareth who will soon arrive at his home. the hearts of all believers.
Sometimes, these cribs have different materials, and for some time, recyclable material has played an important role in their development, and creativity ‘flies’, to make them eye-catching, and be an ‘attraction’, so that the Neivans come to pray.
Usually, the manger is assembled from December 8, on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, one of the most important celebrations of the Catholic Church. And most Catholics disarm it on January 6, Three Kings Day, which commemorates the worship of Jesus by the three Wise Men – Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar – who, according to the New Testament, traveled from the East to pay homage. and bring gifts to the newborn.
The Immaculate Conception, La Catedra, located in the center of the Huila capital.
The Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Camponuñez neighborhood.
Espíritu Santo Parish, in the Chicalá neighborhood of Neiva.
San Antonio María Claret Parish, in the Cándido Leguizamo neighborhood of Neiva.
Temple of San Vicente de Paul, located in the Quebraditas neighborhood.
This is what the parish nativity scenes look like in Neiva that give life to the Gospel • La Nación