SAN DIEGO — A local Catholic school student is among the national winners in this year’s MCA Christmas Artwork Contest.
Nicole Monroy, now a fifth-grader at Sacred Heart School in Coronado, was in the fourth grade when she produced her winning artwork depicting the Nativity of Jesus.
“I wanted to draw the prettiest picture of Jesus and the Nativity scene that I could,” she said. “I searched various images for inspiration. I used acrylic markers to complete the picture. I was surprised that I was one of the people to win.”
The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA), one of four Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, encourages children to engage in prayer, learning, and giving for children in mission territories.
Since 1933, through its annual artwork contest, the MCA has invited children in elementary schools and religious education programs to create artistic depictions of the Christmas story.
Students from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Venice, Florida, were this year’s two grand prize winners. Their artworks were featured on the official Christmas cards of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which were sent to hundreds of people, including Pope Francis.
An additional 15 drawings, including Monroy’s, were recognized as national winners.
An awards ceremony was held Dec. 6 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. All 17 winning drawings will be displayed at the National Shrine throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons.
“Art has a unique power to bring the Gospel to life,” said Alixandra Holden, national director of the Missionary Childhood Association. “These young artists have captured the heart of Christmas in their drawings.
“Through this contest,” she added, “we aim to nurture a missionary spirit in children, connecting them with the universal Church and their brothers and sisters in the missions.”
