The creche at St. John’s Cathedral on Ninth Street in downtown Cleveland was blessed during the Christmas Mass of 1928. The figures, a gift, from Bishop Joseph Schrembs who had ordered the scene from artist and member of the Munich Academy of Art, Sebastian Osterrieder .
According to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Osterrieder had traveled to the Holy Land to gather precise topographical details before beginning work on the masterpiece. The Universe Bulletin deemed this Christmas creche as an art form and religious masterpiece.
Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with bringing the Christmas creche back in to serve as an altar backdrop celebrated in a cave in 1223.
“… he prepared a manger, and brought hay, and an ox and an ass to the place appointed. The brethren were summoned, the people ran together, the forest resounded with their voices, and that venerable night was made glorious by many and brilliant lights and sonorous psalms of praise.” – Catholic Education.
Several of the original pieces have been replaced and new figures acquired. The scene provides a rich history and is truly part of the celebration.
I took a picture with Christ hanging on the cross to show the massive display.
I wanted my own. One I didn’t have to buy deflecting from the meaning of Advent Season and Christmas spirit. One worthy of being an art form. Only I would not go so far as to call this a religious masterpiece, but a the works of a child, unclear about how to dress and “color” these refugees.
How I set up a creche on Josie Style for the Home.
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