This unique work of art pictures a variety of scenes taken from local daily activities, featuring approximately 2,100 pieces on a surface of 250 square meters (ca. 2,700 square ft).
Newsroom (04/12/2021 09:30 AM , Gaudium Press) The largest Nativity scene in Latin America is located at the San José Shrine in Venecia, Colombia. The work is designed by architect Luis Fernando Betancourt. It features approximately 2,100 pieces on a surface of 250 square meters (ca. 2,700 square ft).
A family project
This unique work of art pictures a variety of scenes taken from local daily activities such as a train transporting coal from the mines, people raising balloons with their Christmas wishes and even the convent of the Franciscan friars.
According to Betancourt, “the construction of this nativity scene is the most beautiful process, a family activity. We rallied about ten people from our family; it took twenty days to be completely assembled including so many simple scenes taken from people’s daily lives”.
God is always present
Fr Edison de Jesús Ortega, pastor of the San José Shrine, notes that the tradition started 14 years ago, growing slightly year after year. For him, through this nativity scene, “one can discover how God is always present in our daily work, in our everyday life, He is always acting.” He highlights how visitors are drawn to follow a particular trail of discovery: “when you start from below you see the different statues and scenes” As one progresses, “you end up there with Jesus.” He explains that the path has an analogy with life, “because our life is always with Him and leads us to Him.”
During the Year of St. Joseph, San José Parish was elevated to the category of Shrine, where pilgrims can venerate relics of St. Eusebio de Vercelli and St. Laura Montoya, the first saint of Colombia. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
