Winners of the 2025 Admirabile Signum Macao Inter-school Nativity Competition were recognised during an award ceremony on December 19, with this inter-school edition garnering an “overwhelming” response, according to a recent statement by Associação Católica Cultural de Macau (ACCM – Macau Catholic Culture Association).
The idea to expand the contest, which has been held for years, into an inter-school event came up last year, with the inaugural edition seeing a total of 15 schools participating this year.
The statement said that the nativity* contest featured professional judges comprising local Catholics distinguished in the fields of artistic creation and environmental protection.
Regarding the prize recipients at the ceremony at Centro Diocesano dos Meios de Comunicação Social (Centro de Comunicação “Shalom”) in the central district, the statement said that Escola de Santa Madalena emerged as champion, receiving the “Judges Award”, while the first and second runners-up were Sacred Heart Canossian College and Escola da Sagrada Família respectively.
Moreover, Escola Concórdia para Ensino Especial, Colégio Diocesano de São José 5, and Colégio Diocesano de São José 6 all received Honourable Mentions.
Regarding other awards, the “Creative Theme Award” went to Escola Dom Luís Versiglia, while the “Best Environmental Award” went to Instituto Salesiano. Meanwhile, Escola de Santa Teresa do Menino Jesus garnered the “Best Group Collaboration Award”.
Lastly, for gathering 468 votes from a total of 2,818 votes from the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages, Colégio de Santa Rosa de Lima – Chinese Section was awarded the “Internet Popularity Award”.
Delivering a speech at the award ceremony, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang highlighted that 2026 will mark the 450th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Macau. He said he hoped that the Admirabile** Signum activity “would continue to spread the Good News, just as missionaries once brought the Gospel to Macau”.
The statement also highlighted: “Thanks to the positive response and strong support from non-tertiary schools across Macau, this year’s event successfully reached campuses, showcasing fruitful artistic achievements”.
*”Nativity” refers to the scene or event of Jesus Christ’s birth, often depicted with figures like Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, along with animals and the manger. It’s commonly celebrated during Christmas. - Source: Poe
**The term “admirabile” is derived from Latin. In Latin, it is the neuter form of the adjective “admirabilis,” which means “to be admired” or “worthy of admiration”, according to AI chatbot Poe.
Students from the winning team from Escola de Santa Madalena pose with Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang (left) and guests attending the recent award ceremony at Centro Diocesano dos Meios de Comunicação Social (Centro de Comunicação “Shalom”). – Photo: Associação Católica Cultural de Macau (ACCM)
