By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted December 19, 2023

A local Catholic school student has been named a national winner in an annual art competition for children.

Charlotte Connors, a student at Regina Coeli Academy in Abington, was among the 21 young artists whose designs were honored Dec. 1 by the Missionary Childhood Association at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The event marked the conclusion of the MCA 2022-23 National Christmas Artwork Contest.

The Missionary Childhood Association, part of the Pontifical Mission Societies,  promotes “children helping children” around the world. Through membership in the Missionary Childhood Association, children and youth in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia learn about their baptismal responsibility to evangelize, grow in understanding of the lives of children their age in the developing world, and become active missionary disciples through their own witness, prayer and sacrifice

This annual contest, a tradition since 1933, encourages children from elementary schools and religious education programs throughout the United States to express the joy of Christ’s birth through art.

Connors vibrant picture, which portrayed the three Wise Men atop of their camels, gazing on the Star of Bethlehem, will be on display at the National Shrine along with the other winning artwork pieces throughout Advent and the Christmas season.

The archdiocesan Missionary Childhood Association office named a number of local winners, who in addition to Connors, included students at Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Ridley; Regina Coeli Academy; St. Peter the Apostle School in North Philadelphia; Maternity B.V.M. in Philadelphia; St. Michael the Archangel in Levittown; St. Katherine of Siena School in Wayne; and St. Jude School in Chalfont.

Alixandra Holden, National Director of the Missionary Childhood Association and former Mission Education Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, said the MCA has always believed “in the power of children’s creativity to bridge worlds and open hearts.”

“This year’s Christmas Artwork Contest has once again illuminated this belief. Seeing the world through the eyes of our young artists not only brings a fresh perspective to the story of Christmas but also connects us more deeply to our faith and to each other.”

The Missionary Childhood Association posted the winning designs on its website, making them available as digital greeting cards that can be personalized and emailed at no cost.

The 2023-2024 MCA artwork contest is currently open for submissions. Elementary students in PREP, Catholic schools, and Catholic children who are home schooled are invited to participate. Information about the contest is available at www.phillymissions.org.