Awaiting the coming of the Christ Child – Cathedral of The Assumption, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
A new nativity crib, representing a scene from the birth of Jesus and as described in the gospel of St Luke, was fully unveiled in the Cathedral of The Assumption, here in Thurles, this week.
This seasonal Christmas manger scene, or ‘crib,’ (latter the more common description for this annual Christian setting) typically displays Mary and Joseph, the Magi, the shepherds, sheep, a donkey and an ox; latter positioned in or near a beautifully designed old barn structure.
Of course Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first living nativity scene as far back as 1223, intending to further cultivate and celebrate the birth of Christ. It is understood the Saint was inspired by a visit to the Holy Land himself, where he had visited Jesus’ traditional birthplace in Bethlehem. This scene then inspired other Christian communities to stage similar nativity scenes throughout the Christian world.
Credit and congratulations on the design of this new nativity scene must go jointly to Mr Pierce Murphy, Mr Dan Kennedy, Mr Con Kennedy (Lighting), Ms Moireann O’Neill, Rev Fr Gerry Hennessey and Rev Fr Martin Hayes, who were all involved in this truly artistic creation.
If you don’t get a chance to visit this life size nativity scene over the next few days, do remember the Cathedral of The Assumption’s annual Carol Service is taking place at 7.00pm sharp on Sunday next (December 21st 2014), thus giving you a chance to view this Christmas manger scene.
This latter event will this year feature carols sung by the Cathedral Choir, the Cathedral Youth Folk Group and the Bohernanave Choir, in this all parish seasonal event, which from past experience is never to be missed.
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