José Manuel Bolieiro calls for peace and "love for one's neighbour" during festive season - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, opened the Nativity Scene and Christmas Tree of the Presidency of the Government at a ceremony held last Friday at the Sant'Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada. The event was marked by closeness and intergenerational socialising.

The initiative was attended by about 45 members of the "Casa do Povo de Arrifes" (social solidarity institution), including children from the Intergenerational Centre and users of the Day Centre and ERPI (residential structures for the elderly) services, in an atmosphere of sharing and hospitality typical of the Christmas season. The group was welcomed at the Palace gardens, next to the Nativity scene, continuing a tradition that the Presidency of the Government maintains during this festive season.

The head of the Azorean Government sent a message to all Azoreans, on the nine islands and in the diaspora, emphasising the significance of Christmas as a time of love and hope.

"We are in a Christmas season that calls us to the best spirit that the birth of the Baby Jesus brings to the surface: love and hope," stated the President of the Government.

Mentioning the importance of opening the Sant'Ana Palace to the community, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the symbolism of the meeting between children and seniors, valuing human warmth and closeness.

"It is with great pleasure that, in keeping with the tradition of the Christmas tree at the Presidency of the Government, we welcome children and seniors to celebrate and welcome them with warmth and kindness, here at the Sant'Ana Palace," he added.

In an international context marked by instability, the head of the Azorean Government also called for peace, harmony and unity, defending that it is through respect, affection and love for one's neighbour that problems can be overcome, offering wishes of hope for this festive season.

The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Board of "Casa do Povo de Arrifes," Lurdes Massa, the President of the Parish Council of Arrifes, Miguel Sousa, as well as all the Sant'Ana Palace employees, including those involved in preparing the Nativity Scene and Christmas Tree, symbolically marking Christmas at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores.