The Oratory museum exhibit of nativity scenes from around the world

 

A brand new nativity scene exhibit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. If there is one event at Saint Joseph’s Oratory that generates continuing interest, it is the museum’s crèche exhibit.

 

In 2006-2007, the 24^th annual nativity scene exhibit was visited by more than 45 000 people (between November 5, 2006, and February 19, 2007). What was the reason for the exhibit’s success?

⇒     the 110 countries represented in it?

⇒     the 290 crèches, including 22 new acquisitions?

⇒     the variety of materials used?

⇒     the dimensions of the crèches, ranging from miniature to life-size?

 

All of the above! All of these elements stimulate curiosity and arouse interest in the exhibit, but what fills visitors with delight is something more, something ineffable; it is the unique character of the Mystery that reveals itself to the human heart. Every year, the success of the exhibit is the result of a philosophy that seeks to generate wonder, religious wonder in particular. It is this philosophy that is responsible for the finesse, ingenuity, and dignity of the exhibit.

 

“Oh! How pretty it is! How pretty it is!” exclaims a tiny, young visitor in a clear voice. To a teacher asking for students’ impressions the day after a visit, an eight-year-old boy replies: “It was there that I saw that Jesus came for the whole world, not just for us.” Out of the mouths of babes, as they say…

 

Like the well-known melody “Angels We Have Heard on High”, the nativity scene exhibit at Saint Joseph’s Oratory touches everyone, ages three to 98. It does not attempt to provide a lesson in geography, an initiation to arts and crafts, or an activity that fits into the school curriculum. If it should happen to do serve as such from time to time, so much the better. However, the aim of the exhibit is above all to serve as a celebration of the heart, an eloquent celebration, both simple and spectacular.

 

 

Johanne Suzor

Oratory Museum