Christmas is the birth of life!

On December 24, 2025, at the São Pedro e São Paulo Parish in Terceira Légua – Caxias do Sul/RS, we celebrated the birth of Jesus, our Christmas.

Present were families and communities from the Parish and people from other communities. It was a very beautiful and participatory moment; the Mass was presided over by Friar Affonso Costela, OFMcap.

Along with the celebration of the Lord's Christmas, we remembered the lives of our Italian immigrant brothers and sisters, who 150 years ago pioneered this blessed land, and whose children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue life in this region, following the example of those who have already departed, but left marks of life, faith, courage, work, and much love. Our gratitude, and may God reward them for their courage, faith, and perseverance amidst the challenges encountered here.

During the Presentation of the Gifts at Mass, the immigrants brought the fruits of the land—no longer gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but the products of our families and communities.

As a commitment to this journey of our ancestors, seeds were distributed to all the people and blessed, to continue the mission we received from the immigrants and to continue caring for life and Planet Earth.

To all who contributed to this moment of faith, our gratitude and the light of Jesus. Merry Christmas and a blessed 2026.

Sr. Nilva Costela, sjbp