A Nativity Tradition

Crèche Festival

For one weekend in December, The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland California, holds an Annual Crèche Festival.

It is a celebration not only for the Nativity of Christ, but for the unity of the diocese.

 

By submitting crèche sets from the diocese, 84 Catholic parishes celebrate in unity, the mystery of this season: that God would come, as a lowly child, to redeem and save us!

This year marked the 3rd year and had 48 out of 84 parishes participating.

Many of the crèches were made by the children who attend the parish schools.

You can see how diverse the Oakland Diocese is by the crèches that are represented.

It is a joy to see the creativity and wonder that went into creating these one of a kind crèche sets.

It was fun to see crèches from parishes like St. Leo the Great who used to beat us handily in CYO Basketball.

I marveled at each and every one!

  

I remember going last year and thinking how much the Festival has grown.

I'm sure it won't be too long before all 84 parishes are represented.

I wish they were left up for the whole month of December as it is such a sight to behold.

I imagine that when the Festival is over that each parish brings theirs back and places it in their own church.

At least I hope they do!

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone agreed that this crèche set using Barbie dolls was the most unique!

This Nativity Set was donated by my mom to be auctioned off.

  

Speaking of my mom...

she has over 35 Nativity sets that she has collected and displayed throughout her home!

So if this Crèche Festival leaves you wanting more...

I will show you her collection.

 

She loves to find them and has refined her search to mostly ethnic versions.

 

Did I ever mention that she is a docent here at the Cathedral? 

 If you are interested in visiting the Cathedral you should join one of her tours.
 

"Saint Luke writes that when the angels appeared to the shepherds they were "humbled."  They were invited to be witnesses of the birth of Christ, a task that is part of the life of each of us. We need to pray to become aware of his loving touch in the many ways that he enters our lives. We are invited  to stand in awe before the manger to adore and welcome the Christ child, then to share the good news with the world."

I hope you enjoyed the Crèche Festival and I wish you all a blessed Christmas.