As the colour of Christmas decorations and festivities accelerate in December it is easy to become
disillusioned by inappropriate commercialism and endless party's. Yet for 2005 years one fact has remained constant at all times. Christmas is simply the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Births happen all the time, yet this one was to change the world forever. The Nativity at Cathedral Square is no more than a reminder of a momentous birth and what that means for all of us. Peace be with you.
PHOTOS AND ALBUMS
CHRISTMAS IN SUMMER
- Already in the first day open to the public the Nativity scene had received visitors from many Northern Hemisphere countries. A perusal of the photo albums reveal a photograph of two delightful Korean children under an umbrella, and a German family enjoying the summer's day in Cathedral Square. Many from the Northern Hemisphere find it 'strange' to experience a summer Christmas. It is incongruous after all to find 'snow' painted on shop windows in 30+ degree heat. Australians, long used to a continent of contrasts don't seem to notice this oddity, however, they would find it even stranger not to be able to take the children to the beach at Christmas. It seems it is only the visitors who are confused, and the weather is so enjoyable that they soon forget other climates. On a practical note, this is the first time that a set of Demetz Nativity figures have been installed in an outdoor setting like this, as in colder places they are always indoors. This typically Sydney experiment has proved to be a great success already, and the summer warmth is bringing people to the piazza to enjoy the air and summer flowers, and of course this extraordinary Nativity for all the people.
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM
- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN BETHLEHEMOver recent years the Isreali/Palestinian conflict has reduced visitor numbers, but even so, people come from all over the world to find the place of His birth. A silver star is raised on a pole in the town centre, and every Christian home has a cross over the front door. Traditionally, each family also makes a small manger scene. On Christmas Eve crowds gather around the Church and on it's roof as a procession lead by a horseman carrying a Cross arrives to place an effigy of the Christ child into a crib in the Church.
- THE CHURCH OF THE NATIVITYLooking at the right side of our Nativity the building in the painting is the real Church of The Nativity in Bethlehem. The oldest part was built shortly after the Crucifiction on the place said to be the place of the birth of Christ by the early Church. Inside the Church there are stairs leading to a grotto where a silver star marks the spot.
CHRISTMAS IN ROME
- NATIVITY CRIBS IN CHURCHESEver since the time of St Francis Roman Churches have made Nativity scenes each year. Some such as S Maria in Aracoeli have elaborate paintings and numerous figures made in earlier centuries.
- THE VATICANEach year the pope goes to the Piazza S Pietro at the time of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to bless the Bambinelli, the small Christ child figures that are sold for home Nativity's. On Christmas Eve he celebrates Midnight Mass in the Vatican Basilica, and on Christmas Day he delivers a special message that is televised and broadcast around the world.
- PIAZZA S PIETROPope John Paul II started a tradition in 1982 of erecting a giant Christmas Tree and Nativity scene in the Square. Each year a different country donates the tree, this year it is Austria's honour. It is 28 metres tall. The Nativity Scene has 17 life size figures in it.
- FAMILIESIt is a time in Rome centered on the family with the traditional eating of fish, and midnight Mass very important components. On Christmas Eve the bells start ringing for the mass and around midnight in the quiet streets whole families attend their local Churches for Mass.
COPYRIGHT AND USAGE OF IMAGES
- USAGE OF IMAGES FOR PUBLICATION BY THE MEDIAHigher resolution and larger versions of most images are available for media publication, e-mail us with your request.
- COPYRIGHTThe images and text on this website may be used with acknowledgement (including a link to this website) for educational and other non-profit purposes including indivduals, families and any not-for-profit organisations who wish to use this material for sole purpose of the enjoyment and enhancement of Christmas celebrations or to spread the word of the true meaning of Christmas. All commercial uses and unauthorised uses are strictly prohibited without the written permission of the copyright holder. ©Tony Johansen 2005 All Rights Reserved. Photograph of Cardinal George Pell ©Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney 2005 All Rights Reserved
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LATEST NEWS AND 2006 SCHEDULE POSTED BELOW
CARDINAL GEORGE PELL, ARCHBISHOP OF SYDNEY
. The Nativity scene in Cathedral Square was instigated by Cardinal Pell who has been concerned over the gradual removal of Christ as the central message of Christmas. Cardinal Pell says "I would invite all people of good will to come and spend some time reflecting on the central role of Jesus in Christmas, to take time out from Christmas parties, end of school activities and present buying to prepare their hearts for Christmas and the coming again of the Son of God as man."
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2006 SCHEDULE
- BLESSING OF THE OUTDOOR NATIVITY SCENE
Friday, 1st December 6.30pm in Cathedral Square
Cardinal Pell invites all to come and reflect on the key message of Christmas, God’s gift of His Son, Jesus, whose birth we celebrate. Special family entertainment following the blessing.
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ADVENT CAROLS
From Darkness to Light Sunday 3rd December at 7.30pm
An evening of readings and music with the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir to mark the first Sunday of Advent and to prepare for Christmas.
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CAROLS WITH ‘THE SONG COMPANY’
Thursday, 14th December at 7.00pm in the Crypt
The most beautiful carols and Christmas songs from around the world, performed by Australia’s own acappella ensemble, The Song Company. Acclaimed as one of the most outstanding vocal groups in the world and recognized as ‘peerless’ with a sound and performance style that is ‘pure vocal bliss’ the group presents a special one-off performance in the unique surroundings of the Crypt at St Mary’s Cathedral.
__________
SACRED VOICES CHRISTMAS SONG CYCLE ‘SOUTHERN STAR’
Sunday, 17th December 3.30pm in the Crypt
The young women of the Cathedral Voices and the trebles and two altos from the Cathedral Choir will be performing a new work by well known Jesuit priest and composer, Fr. Christopher Willcock. Fr. Willcock has collaborated with writer/cartoonist Michael Leunig to produce a set of nine pieces reflecting on the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
__________
ANNUAL CAROL SERVICE
Thursday, 21st December at 7.30pm
The Cathedral's spectacular and renowned Christmas Carols Service and Readings with the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir. This well loved event will be presided over by Cardinal Pell. The night will consist of a rich selection of traditional carols and liturgical Christmas music.
__________
THE CHRISTMAS STORY
Daily 10am to 4pm
Catholic Students Arts Exhibition (Years 5 & 6) The winning artwork and up to 60 pieces will be displayed in the Cathedral Crypt throughout the month of December.
__________
RELATED EVENTS
- AT ST COLUMBKILLE'S CHURCHMcElhone Street, Woolloomooloo. Christmas Day - 9:00am Mass
SPONSORS
- Gosford Quarries
- Sydney Catholic Schools
- SNP Security
- Tony Johansen
- David & Colleen McIntosh
- The Art of Faith
- Sothertons Chartered Accountants
- The Friends of St Mary's Cathedral
- W N Bull (Mr & Mrs John Harris)
- St Mary's Cathedral Flower Festival
- Paula Flynn
- Catholic Cemetaries Board
- Harris Farm Markets Pty Ltd
NATIVITY AND CHRISTMAS FACTS
- 5 metresThe hieght of the Nativity in Cathedral Square, It is 8 metres wide and 4 metres deep. The Christmas tree in the centre of the square is 6 metres high.
- 1982The year Pope John Paul II started the donation by various countries of a giant Christmas tree for the Piazza S Pietro in Rome.
- 1510 ADThe date when the first Christmas trees were recorded, although it is possible they have an older origin.
- 1223 ADSt Francis made the first Nativity Scene as a way of communicating the true meaning of Christmas. The idea proved so popular that it soon spread throughout the Christian world.
hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year for 2006...thank GOD for what we have in life as there are many who dont have it....
Posted by: Margaret Denbrok | December 06, 2005 at 01:26 AM
May the true meaning of Christmas touch every heart and peace on Earth be a reality and not just a wish. May Christmas be an all seasons message just like this nativity in summer proves, it's not the season, but the spirit that counts.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 18, 2005 at 05:15 AM
Hi,
I am looking to find a shop that sells nativity sets, large ones at a resonable price........and ideas
Posted by: Frank Connon | November 30, 2007 at 02:54 PM
I collect nativity sets from around the world and have seen many aborigine paintings of the nativity but I am looking for the figures as an aborigine nativity set. Could you please give me some contact who would have these? Thank you.
Muriel Fenzel
Posted by: muriel fenzel | April 22, 2008 at 05:30 AM