The exhibit will display crèches from around the world, including this colourful nativity scene from Uzbekistan. Photo: Michael Hudson
Crèches from as far away as Uzbekistan will be featured at Crèches From Across the World, an annual exhibition of nativity scenes to be held at the Cathedral Church of St. James, in Toronto, next month.
Now in its 15th year, the exhibition this year will showcase crèches from the private collection of Monsignor Gregory Ace, pastor at St. Padre Pio Roman Catholic Church in Kleinburg, Ont.
It will also include nativity scenes from the archives of St. James Cathedral. Some featured pieces originate from distant parts of the globe-Holland, Italy, Russia and China as well as Uzbekistan.
Crèches were banned as idolatrous during the Protestant Reformation, but in more modern times have taken back their place as beloved symbols of Christmas.
The exhibition, which is free of charge, will open to the public in the Archives and Museum at the Cathedral Centre at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 3. It will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. until December 31, with the exception of Christmas Eve. it will reopen for one day on Wednesday, December 30. Special activities for children will be available, and group viewings can be arranged.
For more details or group bookings, contact Wendy Pappas, 416-364-7865, or email: info@stjamescathedral.on.ca.