Before starting in her new position as university chaplain, Loa Mortensen was employed as an outreach priest in Aalborg, Denmark. She intends to be visible and easily accessible for the students at AU.

Will provide a trustful space

"I want to meet the students at eye level and offer a trustful space where they can come to me with whatever they have on their minds in complete confidentiality. No topic is too big or small," says Loa Mortensen.

Celebrating Christmas at AU

Loa Mortensen will also be there when the university chaplains again this year invite the AU community to celebrate Christmas together. She is looking forward to celebrating Christmas at the Student House.

"I’ve heard it’s usually really cosy and festive. It’s a fine and somewhat unique opportunity for many people to experience a traditional Danish Christmas and, not least, to make new friends. We will ask students who have special local Christmas traditions and those who play a musical instrument to share them with us if they wish. So that we can add a little spice to the traditional Danish Christmas Eve celebration." (Dane’s celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Find out more about Christmas in Denmark ed.).

Do you want to come?

It costs DKK 100 to participate and you should try to register before 18 December as a pre-Christmas getting-to-know-you evening will be held on that day, where you can make Christmas treats and decorations.

You can find the Christmas Eve celebration on Facebook

You can also register on the Facebook page. Registration should take place before 18 December.

All participants will receive a gift and in addition you are welcome to bring your own gifts.

The programme for Christmas Eve will be:

• 3 pm: We meet at the Student House Aarhus - The Cafeteria, Nordre Ringgade 3, DK-8000 Aarhus C to enjoy traditional Danish æbleskiver (Danish Christmas doughnuts, ed.) and mulled wine.
• 4 pm: Those who wish to can accompany Loa to the Christmas church service at Møllevangs Church
• 5 pm: We get ready for the evening by setting the table, preparing the food etc.
• 6 pm: Dinner and a pleasant evening
• 8 pm: Singing, dancing, gifts and fun
• Midnight: End of the evening

The preparations begin on 18 December

On 18 December the student congregation is holding an evening of preparation between 19:00-21:00 for those who have registered, at which Christmas treats and decorations will be made. In addition, it is possible to get to know each other a little before Christmas Eve.

Translated by Peter Lambourne.