It is an important part of the Christmas season. The nativity scene also known as a manger
scene or crib or crèche represents the birth of Jesus. It is a presence outside
churches, in residences as well as in localities where the residents practice
the Christian faith. A great deal of attention is paid to the design of the
crib. Competitions are held in parishes, across parishes, and across the state.
The Directorate of Art and Culture organizes a competition across the state to
select the best-designed crib.
A crib that has repeatedly caught the
attention of everyone is the one designed by Michael Fernandes in Baiginium
which incorporates light and sound. The crib which is conceptualized in the
month of August is built in the months of October and November. It is
constructed with the help of his family, friends, neighbors, and relatives.
Glen Fernandes, his son who is involved deeply in the project said it was the
norm for everyone to make a crib. But they were all static and were not able to
grab one’s attention. He said “In our crib, the life-sized statues tell you the
story of the old and new testament in addition to a message about recent
happenings around in the world. We have talked about an apparition of Mother
Mary appearing in Croatia and recently in that same place on December 25. The
statue of Mother Mary speaks to the people and gives them a message about how
they should live their lives”.
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Glen said every crib usually talked about birth and life before
birth but no one talked about what happened in heaven. This year, inspired by
the visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, they prepared a script to
reveal what happened in heaven. The entire show is of ten minutes duration and
is in English and Konkani. Now here is the surprising bit. It is an indoor crib
and is around 50 to sq mtr long. Two living rooms and a bedroom is utilised
with the controls in the kitchen. The crib always attracts much attention. This
year due to Covid restrictions, only 7 people are allowed per show. He said the
aim was to inspire children and adults to experience this and learn from them
as to how one could make a light and sound crib and also importantly spread the
message of the love of God.
They have won the all Goa competition organized by the Art and
Culture department twice as well as a Lions Club international competition and
several Parish competitions. All this cost money and this year they spend
around Rs 30-35,000. The father and son would like to participate in the
International Crib completion in Rome and they would also like to present the
bible live on stage.
One
can only hope their dreams come true.
