Portugal – Salesians Launch National Initiative to Refocus Christmas on Jesus

04 December 2025

(ANS – Lisbon) – In an age of rampant consumerism, the Salesians of the “St. Anthony” Province of Portugal have launched a national campaign titled “This Christmas, Celebrate Jesus” (Neste Natal, celebre Jesus), inviting young people, families, educators, and communities to share a photograph of the nativity scene in their homes. This initiative, which began in early December and scheduled to run until 11:59 p.m. on 25 December, aims to remind people—in a simple and participative way, that Jesus is at the centre of the Christmas celebration.

More than an exchange of gifts, decorations, or a time for social gatherings with friends and family, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the welcoming of the Good News He brought to the world. Highlighting this idea, everyone - young people, families, communities and educators - can participate in this initiative by sending photos of their nativity scenes.

Photos must be submitted via private message to the Salesians’ social media channels by 25 December 2025 and must include the name of the author (or family). The Salesians will publish all entries received, creating a living gallery of domestic faith.

“Celebrating Christmas by contemplating the manger in which Jesus was born means allowing ourselves to be welcomed by Jesus in this place of comfort that He has for each of us. And then, by raising our eyes and contemplating Jesus in those who need us, there is a new ‘Nativity’, where He awaits us once again,” emphasised Fr. Álvaro Lago, Provincial Delegate for Social Communication.

With the campaign “This Christmas, Celebrate Jesus,” the Salesians invite everyone to celebrate and rediscover a more meaningful Christmas, in which Jesus, the Son of God, is truly present and at the centre of everything.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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