Archbishop Blase Cupich Leads Nativity Scene Blessing
Hundreds gathered in the Daley Plaza for the Blessing of the Nativity Scene in downtown Chicago. With carols, cookies, and blessings from Archbishop Blase Cupich the attendees were quite satisfied. Archbishop Cupich prayed, blessed, and greeted those who came out to support the organization and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Cupich states "It's a reminder as well that when he (Jesus) came into the world, there really was no room for him. It's a reminder that we are to make room in our lives for each other - people who are estranged from us in our own families, maybe that we need to give a phone call to, in these days to make amends and to ask forgiveness or to give it; people as well who have no one to care for them because of their poverty or maybe they suffer a handicap. People as well who are neglected because of their age or infirmity. All of them have room in the inn, and all of them are Christ in our midst." The Nativity stayed proudly standing for all to see for the Christmas season.
As we end the observation of the Birth of Christ and begin a new year, the Nativity Scene Committee would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donations, moral support, and prayers each and every Christmas season. Because of your support and kindness, our beautiful life-size nativity scene was again on display in Chicago's Daley Center Plaza throughout December. The nativity scene reminded all Chicagoans of the Birth of Christ and His loving message of hope. When our committee members visited the Nativity scene this Christmas season, we observed many adults and children taking time to stop and admire its beauty, while even taking the time to pray in front of our manger scene!
We would especially like to thank the God Squad of volunteers who faithfully erect and take down our Nativity scene every year. Our prayers and thoughts remain with the many former God Squad members who have assisted over these many years. Throughout the entire year, John Caplis opens our trailer to care for and monitor the condition of our statues. Thanks also to Richard Guzior, President of Richard's Building Supply, who permits us to store our trailer in his company's yard. Many thanks also to Mike Jerzio, Branch Manager, who gives two Saturdays of his time to open the yard to access our trailer.
Another heartfelt thank you is in order for Saint George Parish of Tinley Park who for the past few years have delighted us with their song. Members from their amazing choir included - Tom, Peg, and Rosemary Cetera, Elizabeth Blake, Dave Cetera, Pat Conroy, Denise Wallace, Darlene Weinert, and Chris Kovalcik. We are additionally grateful to Bob Mockus for preparing the accompanying music and Fr. Tomy Abraham for his moral support. The music sounded so harmonious that there were pedestrians who told us that they stopped by our Nativity scene to find out where the beautiful music was coming from. We would also like to recognize the Bell Choir of Santa Maria Del Popolo of Mundelein who were able to bring their extraordinary talents to this Blessing for the previous 10 years.
We hope that you can join us the Saturday following Thanksgiving at Daley Plaza when we will again erect our life-size Nativity display. The Nativity will be displayed until the Saturday following Christmas. May the peace of Christ bless you and your loved ones throughout the new year as you continue to follow our Lord and Savior and live by his example.
God Bless,
The Chicago Nativity Scene Committee
We would especially like to thank the God Squad of volunteers who faithfully erect and take down our Nativity scene every year. Our prayers and thoughts remain with the many former God Squad members who have assisted over these many years. Throughout the entire year, John Caplis opens our trailer to care for and monitor the condition of our statues. Thanks also to Richard Guzior, President of Richard's Building Supply, who permits us to store our trailer in his company's yard. Many thanks also to Mike Jerzio, Branch Manager, who gives two Saturdays of his time to open the yard to access our trailer.
Another heartfelt thank you is in order for Saint George Parish of Tinley Park who for the past few years have delighted us with their song. Members from their amazing choir included - Tom, Peg, and Rosemary Cetera, Elizabeth Blake, Dave Cetera, Pat Conroy, Denise Wallace, Darlene Weinert, and Chris Kovalcik. We are additionally grateful to Bob Mockus for preparing the accompanying music and Fr. Tomy Abraham for his moral support. The music sounded so harmonious that there were pedestrians who told us that they stopped by our Nativity scene to find out where the beautiful music was coming from. We would also like to recognize the Bell Choir of Santa Maria Del Popolo of Mundelein who were able to bring their extraordinary talents to this Blessing for the previous 10 years.
We hope that you can join us the Saturday following Thanksgiving at Daley Plaza when we will again erect our life-size Nativity display. The Nativity will be displayed until the Saturday following Christmas. May the peace of Christ bless you and your loved ones throughout the new year as you continue to follow our Lord and Savior and live by his example.
God Bless,
The Chicago Nativity Scene Committee