As Mary Lou Setzenfand help set up the creche Friday, she had a wise observation.
“Make sure Joseph has undergarments,” she said, referring to the statue of Joseph in the stable for the Pittsburgh Creche, being installed Friday at the U.S. Steel Plaza, Downtown.
Setzenfand, of Ross, and more than a dozen volunteers spent Friday morning dressing and accessorizing the religious life-sized figures. She’s been part of it for all 22 years. Setzenfand was recruited by Sisters of the Holy Spirit — Sister Bridget Miller and the late Sister DeChantel Serwinski and late Sister Patricia Hawrylak, who were the original volunteers who helped make the costumes.
“I used to attend daily Mass ,and they knew I could sew so they asked me,” said Setzenfand. “I love being a part of it. It’s an amazing sight once it’s all done.”
The creche is the only authorized replica of the Nativity scene that St. John Paul II commissioned for the Vatican. In its 22nd year, it is an ecumenical effort by Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians to preserve the true meaning of Christmas, according to a news release, standing as “a reminder of God’s great love for all his creation.”
Setzenfand and Sister Cindy Ann Kibler, of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit in Ross, were dressing Joseph and Mary. Kibler was coordinating the volunteers.
“We really, really need signs of hope, especially with covid-19,” said Kibler. “We hope this brings peace to peoples’ lives. There have been marriage proposals here and families make it an annual stop during the Christmas season. There is so much love put into this creche and people love to see it.”
Kibler was steaming Joseph’s garments. A few of the statues needed repairs from a broken shoulder to a hip out of its socket. Volunteers work off of photographs to make sure the outfits are on properly. They usually dress the figurines in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s warehouse, but had to do it outside because of the pandemic. There are several costumes for each statue and what they wear change over the years.
Friends Janet Regan and Patty Schwall, both of McCandless, have been part of the event for at least eight years.
“This has become an annual tradition for us,” said Schawll, whose husband Don is a former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. “It’s not Christmas without the creche.”
Cathy Iannelli of McCandless made some of the garments for the three kings in past years.
“I enjoy doing it,” she said. “I am so happy we have it this year. I wasn’t sure we were going to be able to do it.”
The creche will be blessed on Nov. 20, though not in front of a crowd because of the pandemic.
Sister DeChantel Serwinski’s niece Marlene Serwinski of Murrysville said it gives her chills when she sees all of the costumes, some which her aunt helped to make.
“When you come by here and the music is playing, and it’s all lit up at night, it’s a beautiful sight,” said Serwinski. “I am emotional just thinking about it.”
John Edkins of Upper St. Clair, who owns J.E. Scenic, a set rental and set construction facility, collaborated with Pittsburgh architect Lou Astorino to build the creche. Some pieces were made in Rome.
The people and animals each weigh about 10 pounds, Edkins said. They are all anchored to the floor.
“We really wanted it to be realistic,” Edkins said. “It’s special to see it. And it’s extra special to see it this year.”
