Vatican nativity scene will have a touch of Pinoy

Filipinos have a special place in this year's Nativity scene at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, an annual tradition inaugurated by Pope John Paul II in 1982. "Since the Philippines had given us structures which are very different from what we have, we decided to create a corner that is different from the others," said Giuseppe Facchini of the Vatican Bureau of Studies and Projects on Romereports.com. This year's Nativity scene will be viewable from 360 degrees. Designed by Davao-based Filipino sculptor Kublai Ponce-Millan, nine Filipino figures will complement the traditional figures of the Holy Family, according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The video from Romereports.com shows a Filipino family onboard a bangka (native outrigger boat), bringing in a bountiful catch from the sea. Other figures are portrayed playing different indigenous musical instruments. There are also baskets filled with tropical fruit. Ponce-Millan began his work in August after Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Mercedes Tuason presented the project to the Governorate of the Vatican City State. The project is part of the launching activities of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See. “To include the Filipino figures at the Vatican Nativity scene will surely be most meaningful for all Filipinos knowing that the solemnity of Christmas is perhaps the most popular celebration among Filipino Catholics," Tuason said in her letter to Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. Delighted with this proposal, Lajolo responded that “this gesture would be meaningful for the vast Filipino community in Italy, a hard working community of great faith and family values." Some 35 workers supervised by the Technical Services of the Governorate of the Vatican City State began work on the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square in early November. Work on the Nativity scene will continue until December 24, in time for the official opening and blessing that evening. Pope Benedict XVI will participate in the unveiling ceremony from the window of the papal apartments. "Filipinos in Italy are consoled to see their Christian faith recognized and affirmed by the Holy See in this symbolic way. They are grateful for the honor of being placed in the center of Catholicism’s celebration of the birth of Christ this year," the CBCP said. A video of the ongoing construction of the Nativity scene and the Philippine contribution to it can be viewed on YouTube.—With Carmela G. Lapeña/JV, GMANews.TV