Blessing of the Christmas crèche

The Blessing of the Cathedral Basilica’s Christmas nativity scene will take place Tuesday, December 24 at the 3:00 PM Christmas Vigil Mass. Celebrant of the Mass is Fr. Jan Schmidt, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica.

In its present form the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223.

The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time.

When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member. Follow this link for prayers to bless the Christmas nativity scene in your home:  https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-christmas-manger-or-nativity-scene