Our Response to the Nativity

Journeying from Hope to Joy

As we gather round and gaze upon the gift of the Nativity crib at our piazza - and indeed it is a gift from generous donors to our Franciscan parish - we contemplate also the gift of St Francis & his crib at Greccio, and the greatest gift of God: Jesus, His Son.

On Wednesday 20 December, we will have the Lucernarium, or Service of Light, and the blessing of the crib at 8pm. It was 800 years ago that St Francis of Assisi, wanting to bring Bethlehem to Greccio, created the first nativity crib. A plenary indulgence has been granted to all Franciscan churches for this occasion.

While we celebrate the occasion, it is poignant to note that this year, Bethlehem is struck with the ongoing war at Gaza, and Christmas celebrations there have been suspended. We will come together before the Lucernarium at 7.30pm to pray the Franciscan Crown for the intentions of the victims of the war at the Holy Land.

More than ever, the Holy Land needs our prayers and support. In words of Pope Francis: "And as we contemplate Jesus -- God made man, small, poor, defenseless -- we cannot but think of the tragedy that the inhabitants of the Holy Land are living… they are the ones who pay the true price of war." (Catholic News Service)

This campaign is now closed. Over $57,000 was raised for Canossaville over 10 days from 20 to 30 Dec 2023. These donations were eligible for donation matching through Tote Board's Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme. We are awaiting the final update from Canossaville.

Thank you for your generous support!

Click to watch Friar Mike’s invitation to the Lucernarium on 20 December.

The Nativity Scene - “A Living Gospel”

Do take time to read our Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter, Admirabile Signum, and reflect on the meaning of the Nativity scene and why it is such an important image for our troubled times.

How You Can Respond

We cannot simply look at the crib, walk away and not be moved to respond to the sufferings of our brothers and sisters. In sharing our joy of the gifts that we have received, let us not only support them spiritually, but also open our hearts to those who need your help and hope this Christmas. Let this Christmas be one that you make a difference!

Supporting the victims of war in the Holy Land

Pro Terra Sancta

Associazione Pro Terra Sancta has been carrying out numerous projects to assist the weakest sections of the population in Israel and Palestine. In Gaza they carry out assistance activities to the most fragile and needy victims of this situation.

Humanitarian Aid via Charis

Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS), is currently having a campaign to raise funds to provide aid to those who are affected in the Holy Land and those impacted by the conflict. The campaign has been extended to 31 December and has achieved less than 70% of its target amount of $500K.

Plenary Indulgence: 800 years of Greccio

On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the “Nativity scene of Greccio”, the Apostolic Penitentiary granted a plenary indulgence to all the faithful who, from 8 December 2023 (Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary) to 2 February 2024 (Presentation of the Lord), visit a Nativity scene in a church entrusted to the Franciscan friars all over the world.

  • It is the total reparation of all damage due to the sins that have been committed.

    The Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) removes the eternal punishment that our sins merit. But while forgiven, the wounds and effects of our sins remain and block the full action of the Holy Spirit within us.

  • 1. Visit and pray before the nativity scene set up in a Franciscan Parish. For St Mary’s, the crib is set up at the piazza outside the main church.

    2. Receive the Eucharist on the day the indulgence is sought.

    3. Make a sacramental confession 20 days before or after the indulgence is sought.

    4. Pray for the Holy Father's intentions for the month (Pray 1 Our Father & 1 Hail Mary).

    5. Detach completely from any affection for sin, even venial sin.

  • For oneself or any deceased person.

  • Once per day.