Christmas Cantata: Come, O Lord of Peace!

“Christmas! Days of Light, days of Peace! Days of abundance. Before the Nativity scene: the historical event that marks the beginning of the Christian era; the spiritual birth of Jesus Christ within us! From the grotto of Bethlehem comes the salvation of humanity!”

(Blessed Father James Alberione

Founder of the PastorelleSisters)

On December 13, 2025, at 7 PM, the 5th edition of the Christmas Cantata took place in the hall of the São Pedro e São Paulo Parish in Terceira Légua – Caxias do Sul/RS. Organized by the Pastorinhas Sisters and the staff of Pousada Bom Pastor, it also counts on the collaboration of lay people from various communities, adults, young people and children who joyfully dedicate their gifts to this moment of preparation for Christmas.

This year the Christmas Cantata was part of the festive calendar alluding to the 150th anniversary of Italian immigration and the 100th anniversary of the construction of the São Pedro e São Paulo Church in Terceira Légua. The main theme was: "Jesus, Prince of Peace". The enactments and songs addressed this theme, showing how the world today is marked by violence, exclusion and prejudice, and how humanity thirsts for peace! Only by welcoming the Baby Jesus into our hearts and allowing Him to transform our lives and our relationships will we build a more dignified world, a world of peace.

“Preparation ensures the feast”

This phrase reminds us of the importance of preparing for this Christmas celebration, the manger of the heart to welcome the Baby Jesus. There were beautiful moments of preparation with the groups and individuals who collaborated on the Christmas Cantata. A significant number of adults, young people, and children participated, a meaningful moment that will be etched in everyone's lives. This is a true sign of hope; there are people in the world who love Jesus Christ and His mission!

On the day, there was good participation, with many people from the community and region coming to support the event. After the presentations, there was a time of sharing and fellowship with all those present.

This year's cantata reminded us that peace begins with small gestures, with personal changes that open us to encounters with others, with the importance of family and of being brothers and sisters. In this jubilee year that is drawing to a close, may your message always be relevant in our lives, may we be builders of peace, and may we not let anything or any situation "steal our hope," as our beloved Pope Francis used to say.

Sr. Ana Paula Salton e Sr. Suzimara Barbosa de Almeida, sjbp