In the villages of Miraflores, La Esperanza and San Luis, we, the Precious Blood Missionaries of the District of Colombia, have kept alive the beautiful tradition of the Christmas novena. During these nine days of prayer and reflection, starting on December starting on 16 and ending on Christmas Eve, we gather with families and communities to pray, sing Christmas carols and meditate on the birth of Jesus.

This tradition is an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our faith, share moments of joy and prepare our hearts to receive the Savior. The novenas include Bible readings, reflections and prayers to the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the famous “Christmas joys” that help us connect spiritually with the true meaning of Christmas.

In addition, we visited the homes of the villagers, to bring a message of peace and love. These visits foster unity and community spirit, and allow us to share blessings and good wishes for the new year. Families opened their homes to welcome us, creating a warm and welcoming environment where faith and friendship are celebrated. This exchange not only strengthens the bonds between us, but also reminds us of the importance of hospitality and generosity in our daily lives.