Parish
Cathedral of St. Peter
Belleville, IL
Diocese of Belleville
United States
More Info
For more information, email Very Rev. John T. Myler, STD.
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Outreach
Nativity sets and images of the Virgin Mary from around the world make for an attractive and educational display in the cathedral.
"Visiting nativity sets from around the world is an occasion for the members of a family to come into contact with the mystery of Christmas -- of the Word made Flesh and of God's solidarity with the poor and the humble in all nations, in all places."
Very Reverend John T. Myler, STD
Rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville, Illinois
The need it meets
The display increases appreciation for the devotional life and for Catholic culture, giving parishioners a sense of the universality of the Church.
The accompanying activities (Advent afternoons/evenings of spiritual reflection) mark the special Marian days of the Advent season and give parishioners (especially families) a deeper sense of the spiritual meaning of these holy days.
Where it came from
The creches and images come from the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
The display comes on loan from the Marian Library at the University of Dayton, Ohio. The idea of displaying them at the cathedral came from the Cathedral Rector, who was familiar with the collection because he used to study at that university.
How it works
The Cathedral of St. Peter offers 3 days in Advent (usually between the feasts of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 and Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12) -- with either "Nativity Sets from Around the World" (Year 1) or "Images of the Virgin Mary from Around the World" (Year 2).
There are usually 30 to 40 Nativity sets or Madonnas. Some are shipped by the Marian Library, where there is a collection of thousands of Nativity sets and images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Others are loaned (several weeks before the events) by local Catholics who wish to share the international treasures they might have in their homes.
The St Peter's School 8th graders (with adult supervision) are trained as "docents" for the days of the display, which is held in the south nave of the cathedral.
The event is also an opportunity to promote the Advent Sunday afternoons/evenings of reflection -- usually on the Nativity narratives -- which are often led by the bishop.
The results
- Several hundred people visit the display each day -- families, individuals, school classes, and groups of pilgrims.
- A significant number of non-Catholics attend, giving the cathedral a real opportunity for ecumenical hospitality.
- Families share the experience together. Children are captivated by the displays, and parents often say, "Thank you for helping us focus on the real meaning of Christmas."
- The 8th grade docents develop a sense of maturity and hospitality.
- Catholics from other parishes who loan a creche or an image develop a relationship with "their" cathedral.
- About 40 - 75 people attend the Advent Sunday afternoons/evenings of reflection every year.
Key elements
- Planning: Start the planning process no later than the end of August. Set a date for folks to "drop off" the objects they loan, and make a detailed description of each object. (This helps those who make the explanation cards for each object on display.)
- Promotion: Get the word out through parish bulletins, an article in the diocesan paper, radio spots, Mass announcements, etc.
- Presentation: Have a team of people -- with aesthetic sensibility -- in charge of arranging the displays and writing up labels for each item.
- Packing: After the display is over, have the same set-up crew pack up the items for return or shipping.
How to implement it
Put this project in the hands of the lay people. Find several parishioners who are well-traveled and let them run with it.
Submitted by Trish Bailey on June 30, 2008.
Very Rev. John T. Myler is pastor of Cathedral of St. Peter.