The Miguel de Benavides Library of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) will hold an exhibit of Belens, the Philippine representation of the birth of Christ in a stable, from November 13 until February 2, 2013.

The exhibition, called Misteryo…Ikaw at ang Pasko A Christmas Exhibition features 60 Belens borrowed from the personal collection of Gloria Ocampo-Reyes.

The exhibit will represent the four stories that narrate the mystery of the incarnation: The Infancy of Jesus found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke; the representation of Christ’s incarnation (Nativity Scene) as first created by St. Francis of Assissi; Fra Angelico’s portrayal of the mysteries of Jesus; and the display of the Book of Hours, an illuminated, Christian devotional book, perhaps the only copy in the Philippines.

For Filipinos, the Belen as a symbol of Christmas goes beyond the festive and celebratory feeling evoked by the image of Santa Claus or the presence of the ubiquitous Christmas Tree.
For them, the Belen is a religious reminder of the true essence of Christmas, the birth of the Messiah, the very reason why Christmas is celebrated.

As the viewers go about the exhibition and gaze at the image of the birth of Jesus, they will experience Belen as the cradle of faith, as the town of stars and shepherds. In the year 1293, Saint Francis prepared a crèche in the woods of Greccio, near his hometown in Assissi to celebrate Christmas eve—the custom extended all over the Christian world and Christmas cribs can be seen in all churches and homes.

It will also feature the works of Fra Angelico, the famous Dominican painter of the cuattrocento, preached with his brush. His paintings will provide a contemplative ambience to the exhibition, inspiring the viewers and enriching the understanding of their faith.

The Book of Hours is an illuminated book of prayers developed for lay people who wished to incorporate monasticism into their devotional life popular during the Middle Ages in Northern Europe. However, with the advent of the printing press, its popularity waned due to the more accessible printed books. It is possible that the Book of Hours found in UST is the only copy in the Philippines.

Assisting in the exhibition are: Father Alex Bautista (curator), Ma. Teresa Fenix (consultant), Matthew Neil Hebrona (graphic designer) and Gloria Reyes (Belen owner). The Diocese of Tarlac owns the life size Belen. From the University of Santo Tomas, the project is made possible through the efforts of the UST Miguel de Benavides Library, UST Museum of Arts and Sciences, UST Archives, Facilities and Management Office, UST Parish and St. Thomas Priory, UST Educational Technology Center, Office of Public Affairs and artist Rachie Cuna.