Blessing of the crib in St Ann's Square

Blessing of the crib in St Ann's Square


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Published: 07 December 2010

A special service has marked the opening of a new crib in Manchester city centre.

The crib was opened outside St Ann’s Church on Friday December 3, with a blessing from Revd Nigel Ashworth.

Children from Trinity Church of England School in Hulme also performed carols as part of the service.

The crib was specially made for the city centre location, with the lovingly hand sculpted and hand painted nativity figures taking four weeks to produce.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s city centre spokesman, said: "Our Christmas festivities are well known throughout the world, and are very important for Manchester. However, it is important that we also rembember the Christian message of Christmas.

"St Ann’s is an iconic church in the city centre and the crib really helps remind residents and visitors to the city of the true meaning of Christmas.”

Revd Ashworth said: "Advent and Christmas tell of the joy of Christ’s coming into the messiness of our world. In a difficult age this is a message we pray the world will receive.”

St Ann’s is celebrating the Christmas season with a series of services and concerts, taking place every day in the run up to Christmas.


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