Our beautiful old Crèche, which has brought joy to children and adults for many years, was showing its age and desperately needed to be replaced. And so we welcome our new Crèche complete with a lovely Baby Jesus, adoring Mary, watchful Joseph, Angels, Wise Men, and traditional animals.
Traditionally, St. Francis of Assisi first set up the Crèche as a living Nativity in the 13th century. His intention was to celebrate Christmas and provide a visual opportunity for people to meditate on the great, glorious mystery of God Incarnate in the person of the newborn infant Jesus.
For a long time Nativity sets developed as an Italian tradition with the addition of common figures from everyday life to indicate that Jesus comes to all of us. The custom was to place Christmas gifts around the Nativity set.
All the Best,
The St. Anselm Publicity Committee