Manila Priest uses nativity scene collection for catechism

Dec 28, 2017

MANILA: A Catholic priest in Manila is using his collection of nativity tableaux showing the birth of Jesus to explain the message of Christmas.

Father Genaro Diwa, who has 220 sets of nativity scenes collected over the past 20 years, said he wants to remind Catholics of the "genuine symbol of Christmas, which is the family itself."

People need to break from the "influence of commercialism" in Christmas and find the essence of the celebration, the priest said.

"My motivation is to catechize the faithful that the essence of Christmas is the birth of Christ," said Father Diwa who exhibits his collection in his parish every December.

In his homilies during Masses ahead of Christmas, the priest emphasizes the importance of the family in celebrating the season.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said nativity scenes should remind Christians of the "simplicity" of the birth of Christ that "we must all mirror."

"It tells us that the true meaning of Christmas is not expensive gifts, food, parties, and things that materialism offers," the prelate said.

Father Diwa’s nativity collection comes from many parts of the world.

The priest bought some sets, but most were gifts from friends.

"For as long as there is a need to evangelize people of what Christmas really means, we will continue inspiring them through these cribs," said the priest.--Ucanews.Com