Manning parishioners led into Christmas by Gospel dramatisation
The Manning Parish Christmas Mass featured a re-enactment of the Gospel by talented young parishioners of St Pius X and local school children. Photo: Supplied
St Pius X in Manning had a brief yet very significant addition to its recent Christmas Eve Mass which helped the congregation enter more deeply into the Christmas season. Celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Blasco Fonseca, the Mass featured a re-enactment of the Gospel by talented young parishioners of St Pius X and local school children.
Beginning with the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, the re-enactment saw her journey, together with Joseph, as they made their way to Bethlehem by donkey, only to find a humble stable where she could give birth.
The dramatisation (of the Gospel) drew to a climax with the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the three wise men who came to pay homage to baby Jesus and bear gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The dramatisation was made particularly solemn by a group of instrumentalists and youth singers who accompanied each scene with appropriate songs linked to biblical passages about the birth of Christ. Photo: Supplied
The dramatisation (of the Gospel) was made particularly reflective by a group of instrumentalists and youth singers who accompanied each scene with appropriate songs linked to biblical passages about the birth of Christ.
Looking back on the event and commenting on the value of holding dramatisations in parishes at Christmas time, parishioner Adam Nevin believed holding a dramatisation (of the Gospel) was a refreshing experience for all present at the Mass.
“I think it definitely added value by involving the children and other members of the community.
“The inclusion of a dramatisation (of the Gospel) made it all the more special and memorable for those involved by having to act out the characters, with those in the congregation marvelling at how the children they know could perform so well,” he said.
Given the success of this particular dramatisation, the young parishioners of St Pius X have already begun thinking about further improving the dramatisation of the Gospel for Christmas 2017.