Clockwise from top left: Bishop Larry Silva holds a cross Nativity he purchased from the Daughters of St. Paul’s Book and Media Center. A colorful two-piece sculpture of the Holy Family is inset with the image of Joseph and a pregnant Mary traveling to Bethlehem. Bishop Silva purchased this small clamshell Nativity scene on a pilgrimage to Fatima. The Carmelite sisters, whose cloister is next to St. Stephen Diocesan Center, painted this manger scene for the bishop. (HCH photos | Anna Weaver)
The more than 170 Nativity scenes come from around the world. They range from a foot high to a clamshell display the size of an egg, and are made of clay, wood, paper, leaves and plant fibers, porcelain, glass, metal and wool. They are commercial and handmade, traditional and ethnic, modern and whimsical.
Bishop Larry Silva’s private collection of creches will be on display to the general public in the library at St. Stephen Diocesan Center, 6301 Pali Highway, Kaneohe, 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26.
The collection is 20 years in the making. All but a few were gifts, given to the bishop after he revealed to a priest his fondness for Nativity sets.
The open house is free.
Bishop Silva will co-host the event with diocesan seminarians. Light refreshments will be served.
The library is on the ground floor of the old Castle building for those able to park in the flagstone courtyard. Those able to climb stairs are asked to park in the area below to leave spaces in the courtyard for those with mobility challenges.
All visitors must wear masks.
