News release
The “Little Town of Bethlehem” Nativity at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Vincent will be open for visitors from 1 t 5 p.m. Dec. 18 and 25 from 1-5pm. Appointments can also be made at any other time by calling (785) 735-9282.
This is the 96th year of the Nativity, begun by Fr. Callistus Rectenwald in 1927. Over the years, the Nativity has become a worldwide representation of Christmas. Rocks from all 50 states and 105 countries surround the scene, in particular rocks from the Cave of Lourdes and the Sea of Galilee. Infant Jesus is from Spain, and Mary, Joseph and the Three Kings are from Germany. A special section of the Nativity is dedicated to veterans who could not be home for Christmas over the years, featuring rocks from Germany, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Wake Island and Christmas Island to name a few.
The Nativity has had special lighting effects added the last few years - a color changing rock show and a neon blue-lit sky in the background. Four trickling waterfalls, animals and shepherds dot the scene surrounding the Bethlehem Inn, and the stable made from a nearby pear tree in 1927.
St. Boniface Church is located 5.5 miles south of Victoria and 2 miles east.