Laura Hannot, 28 Dec
2023 marks the 800th anniversary of the creation of the first crib by
St Francis of Assisi in Greccio Italy.
To mark this anniversary Ballinascreen Parish will host a very special
Live Crib event on Saturday, December 30.
This free event will take place at St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena and
will commence with Mass at 10.00 am at which Bishop McKeown will be the
main celebrant.
Following this Mass the live crib featuring real animals and people
will be operational. Everyone is warmly invited to come make the
journey around the church grounds from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
This journey will lead you past 14 ‘stations’ each one depicting a key
moment from the Nativity story and will bring you to the live crib. All
the main characters from the Nativity story will be dressed in costume
in the crib which will also feature live animals including a donkey,
calf, sheep and goats.
After marvelling at the sight and sounds of the live crib, you may
enter St Eugene’s Church where there will be Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament from 11.00 am until 6.00 pm.
A marquee will be erected in which free refreshments will be served
throughout the day and where there will be colouring and quiz
activities for children.
To personally record your visit to this amazing event there will be a
special backdrop for photos in the marquee. At 6.00 pm this event will
conclude with a candlelit Vigil Mass and Benediction.
While this is a free event to which everyone is warmly invited, people
attending may, if they so wish, make a voluntary contribution to St
Eugene’s Church Repair Fund. Come along to St Eugene’s Moneyneena next
Saturday, December 30 and enjoy discovering the true meaning of
Christmas. Everyone is very welcome.