LINGAYEN-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas is encouraging Catholic homes to hang what he calls a “Parol ng Halina” this Christmas as a symbol of a meaningful celebration of the season.

The Parol ng Halina will consist of four lanterns, three purple and one rose-colored or pink, with each one being lit for every week in the Catholic advent season.

The pink lantern will serve as the third parol.

VILLEGAS

“I propose the Parol ng Halina for your consideration. The important matter to remember is to help our people celebrate the advent season meaningfully, in a way that is truly Catholic and truly Filipino,” Villegas said.

The Parol ng Halina will also bring to the homes the tradition of having a white parol travel from one end of the church to eventually stop above the manger setting during the Christmas midnight Mass.

Villegas said while he does not prohibit the use advent wreaths in Catholic homes and churches, the Parol ng Halina would be a more relevant alternative.

Villegas, in a letter dated Nov. 1 to his brother priests, deacons and religious sisters, said a parol symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and is perhaps the most popular icon of the Filipino Christmas tradition.

He added that the parol can also help the Catholic faithful remember the account of creation in the Book of Genesis (1:16): “God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars.”

Further, the star, specifically the six pointed star, has also been used to symbolize King David and Jews use this as well, he added.—(Contributed by Eva Visperas)

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