Preserving History and Tradition: The Holy Rosary Crib

Take a look at this montage showing our fantastic volunteers - Kevin Plant, Bill McTimoney, Peter Gettings, and Brian Plant - carefully dismantling the Holy Rosary Christmas crib for another year. While the photos show the work of packing away, I have also shared a picture of the finished crib to remind us of its radiance. It truly glowed this Christmas, serving as a beautiful focal point for our celebrations.

The Work Behind the Scenes 

The montage captures the sheer physical effort required to maintain this tradition. These aren't lightweight props; the photos show the men maneuvering heavy, awkward wooden panels - a serious engineering job. You can see the care taken at every stage, right down to the final photo where they are vacuuming the carpet where the straw once lay. It is a proper job from start to finish, executed by a team that clearly works well together.

The Holy Family and the Kings 

Ultimately, all this effort serves one purpose: to draw our eyes to the statues within. At the centre lies the Baby Jesus, the Word made flesh, resting in the manger. He is watched over by the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph in silent adoration, presenting us with the perfect model of the Holy Family. They are joined by the Three Kings, whose presence reminds us that Christ came to be the Saviour of the whole world. These sacred figures transform the crib from a simple wooden structure into a place of prayer, inviting us to kneel and adore the Incarnation just as the shepherds and Magi did. 

A Piece of Port Clarence History 

This crib is more than just a seasonal decoration; it is a piece of local history. It originally belonged to St. Thomas of Canterbury in Port Clarence before that church closed, finding a new home at Holy Rosary decades ago.

We have physical proof of this journey in the wood itself. As seen in one of the photos, the words "PORT-CLARENCE ROOF CENTRE" are handwritten on the timber, preserving its origins. While there is a date on one panel indicating 1947, we believe the structure is even older. When the men dismantle it, they are preserving a parish heirloom that has sheltered the Nativity scene for generations.

Radiance and Decoration 

The finished result was truly stunning. The deep red lighting created a warm, spiritual atmosphere, but it was the community effort that made it special. The edges of the crib were beautifully decorated by the "flower ladies" - an all-female team - who did a wonderful job softening the stone-effect arch with ivy and vibrant red poinsettias.

Furthermore, the natural elements keep the crib grounded in our local area; the straw and the Christmas tree were provided by the Shepherd family, local farmers.

Remembering John Huitson 

As we thank the current team, it is fitting to remember those who came before. Many parishioners will remember John Huitson, who made a major contribution to the parish and helped assemble this very crib in the past. The lads mentioned that one of John’s favourite jobs was to put up the star. It is a lovely image to hold onto - John placing the guiding light at the top of the scene. His legacy lives on in the work these men continue to do.