The tradition of singing Christmas carols from various continents in the breaks between classes in the Gregorian's Atrium dates back to 1954. It has always been a long-awaited moment and a strong opportunity to grow as a community, as many former students recall after so many years.

Sixty-six years later, the pandemic contingencies did not allow us to live this tradition in the same way. The new media - while not replacing the joy of presence - allowed us to explore new ways, with creativity and courage.

The Press and Communication Office, together with the University Chaplaincy and the Student Relations Office, has promoted the elaboration of greeting messages in digital format, which will be shared in these days, in the breaks between online lessons. We are grateful to those who have wished to participate, also contributing in this way to keep alive our spirit of university community.

On the last day of classes, Rector Nuno da Silva Gonçalves S.J. shared his message of Christmas wishes: «In the divine vocabulary, the word 'distancing' does not exist.  We can move away from Him, but on His part, the desire for closeness cannot but remain and intensify. This very Christmas». Classes will resume on 7 January 2021 exclusively in online mode until 20 January next. The Library will be closed to the public from 24 December 2020 to 6 January 2021 inclusive.