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Read the press release here.

Archbishop Cupich Blesses Nativity Scene Downtown, a 30-Year-Old Tradition

By Mina Bloom | November 30, 2014 9:01am
  Archbishop Cupich said the Nativity scene should remind people to reach out to those in need.
Nativity Scene Unveiling
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DOWNTOWN — In keeping with a post-Thanksgiving tradition spanning three decades, newly installed Archbishop Blase Cupich joined dozens of people Saturday morning Downtown to unveil the Christmas Nativity scene at Daley Plaza.

"We're here today because of the deep faith that we have in the presence of God making his dwelling within our midsts," Cupich said. "It's a reminder [that] when [Jesus] came into the world there really was no room for him."

He went on to explain that the Nativity scene should serve as a reminder to reach out to estranged family members or those in need because "all of them are in our midsts."

People should live their lives so that  "other people will always feel welcome, never put aside or marginalized. And in that way, really give honor what were doing here today," Cupich said.

While the manger scene has been installed every year for the past 30 years at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., it was Cupich's first time speaking at the event as Archbishop.

Saturday morning children and families watched as a team of volunteers known as the the "God Squad" assembled the scene, which involved securing the baby Jesus figure to its crib by drilling a steel cable around its waist in order to thwart thieves.

Over the years, a few people, including a School of the Art Institute student, have attempted to steal the baby Jesus figure, but no one has succeeded. The figure used Saturday was the same one that was used 30 years ago, according to Jim Finnegan, one of the organizers.

While the God Squad was at work, Pastor Larry Rogers of Israel Methodist Church and Tom Brejcha, president and chief council of nonprofit law firm Thomas More Society, spoke to the crowd, and the Saint George's Catholic Church Choir sang Christmas carols. The law firm sponsored the event.

After Cupich did a blessing for the children in the Navitity scene, Brandon Morocco, 20, asked the Archbishop for his autograph, something he was "waiting all week" to do.

"I think he's a really holy man," said Morroco, a student at McHenry County College, adding that he read Cupich's biography and went to his installation earlier this month. "I like what he said about how Chicago's a working city and we have a working church. I loved Cardinal George, and I think [Cupich] will be even better."

Others, like Gaby Calero, 31, and Maria Ordonez, 28, weren't planning to go to the unveiling until they stumbled upon it.

After working the overnight shift at St. Mary's Hospital the night before, the women were looking for a place to get brunch when they saw the crowd at Daley Plaza. 

"I've never heard [Cupich] speak before," said Calero, who recently moved to Chicago from Georgia. "Now we're so excited."

While everyone was bundled up in winter coats Saturday morning, temperatures were mild for November.

"I'm not going to take credit for the weather because then I'd have to take credit for the weather when I was installed," Cupich joked.

Dan Pawlowski, 50, who grew up at 81st Street and California Avenue, attended the ceremony. He now lives in Cupich's native Omaha.

Pawlowski said he's been to the Nativity scene unveiling a few times over the years while visiting family during the holidays.

"I'm waiting to see when [Cupich] gets to be cardinal," said Pawlowski, who works with the department of defense.

His wife, Nancy, said Cupich has a "big family back in Omaha" and that it's "great to see his family supporting him."

Before leaving, Cupich passed out cookies to kids and families eagerly waited to take pictures with him.

When Daley Plaza was chosen as the location for the Nativity scene 30 years ago, city and county officials almost shut it down, which led to a lawsuit, according to a press release. 

Ultimately, the manger scene statues were "spared" from physical destruction and the late Chief U.S. District Judge James B. Parsons ruled that the scene could stay at Daley Plaza, which is known for being a venue for political rallies.

The Nativity scene will stay up for public viewing until the Saturday after Christmas when the God Squad will dissemble it.

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