Includes nativity scene made of elk horn
The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at Graymoor are hosting a free exhibit through Jan. 12 of crèches from around the world.
A Native American crèche on display at Graymoor. (Photo provided)
“The crèche is a Franciscan tradition,” explained Father Thomas Orians, director of the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, where the crèches are displayed on the fifth floor. “St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 first created a crèche scene in the village of Greccio, Italy. St. Francis wanted people to remember that Jesus was born in a humble stable. Today it has become a humble, simple representation of the true meaning of Christmas.”
The Graymoor exhibit is built on the collection of the late Father Joseph P. Egan and includes hand-made and mass-produced crèches from almost every continent and country. The crèches are constructed of materials as diverse as straw, wood, ceramic, stone, paper — even elk horn.
Graymoor is located at 1350 Route 9. For more information, call 845-424-3671, ext. 2111, or visit atonementfriars.org.
