Young parishioners in Tajikistan observe Advent with new tradition

Published: 2007-12-05

KURGAN-TUBE, Tajikistan (CNS) -- Young parishioners in Tajikistan are observing Advent with a new tradition introduced by their Argentine parish priest. For Advent Father Pedro Lopez has invited the approximately 60 parishioners of St. Roch Parish in Kurgan-Tube to help provide the bedding for the infant Jesus in the parish's Nativity stable. He has encouraged them to write an offering or sacrifice they will make on a small piece of paper and contribute the paper to the Nativity scene. "Everyone can choose an intention such as praying the rosary, helping a neighbor or not watching TV during Advent. The parishioners place the paper in the crib to make the bedding for Jesus with all the good things they wish to do," Father Lopez, an Incarnate Word missionary, told the Asian church news agency UCA News. Father Lopez said the tradition has a Ukrainian background and was brought to Tajikistan by a Ukrainian nun. "The devotion is new for parishioners, so we want people to think about the intentions they want to offer," he added.

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