This year, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference is inviting people to share their stories of the crib in their homes and workplaces. Whether it’s a simple, handmade creation or an elaborate display, the bishops encourage Catholics to photograph or film their cribs and share the story behind them.
In Ireland, the practice of displaying a crib at Christmas has been a cherished custom for centuries. Families, especially children, gather to create a beautiful scene, often featuring not just the Holy Family, but also a host of other figures such as angels, shepherds, the wise men, and various animals. For many, it is a moment to reflect on their faith and the importance of family and community in their lives, all centred around the humble birth of Jesus Christ in the manger.
The tradition of creating a nativity scene in homes began with St. Francis of Assisi in 1223, in Greccio, Italy. This simple nativity display with real animals and people served as a way to bring the biblical story to life, especially for those who could not read or fully understand the Scriptures. This idea then spread rapidly across Europe, and soon nativity scenes were set up in churches, town squares, and homes.
By sharing pictures and videos of the crib, we are reminded of the importance of keeping our faith alive in our homes, and of continuing to pass down these traditions to future generations. It is an invitation to celebrate our faith, to reconnect with our roots, and to share in the joy and love that the birth of Christ brings.
So this Christmas, let our homes, our workplaces, and our hearts shine with the light of the Holy Family, as we uphold this cherished tradition.
ENDS
