Former drug addicts bring to life the Nativity in Medjugorje.
In recent days, millions of Christians around the world celebrated Christmas in different ways. Medjugorje, a world-famous Marian shrine near the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, brought together hundreds of people who came to see a re-enactment of the birth of Jesus in a performance organized by former drug addicts who are members of the Cenacolo Community, reports Vecernji.ba on December 27, 2015.
At a 2,000-square-metre area, about 80 members of the Community performed a 40-minute re-enactment of Jesus’ birth. For the performance in front of the church of St. James, they built a replica of the town of Bethlehem, which included a barn, symbolizing the place where, according to biblical tradition, the son of God was born. The set in front of the church and costumes successfully evoked those historical times. In addition to the barn, the performance included a guesthouse, citizens of Bethlehem, farm animals, very convincing costumes and amateur actors who represented the members of the Holy Family, the Three Wise Men and the shepherds.
A large number of amateur actors powerfully portrayed characters from the biblical stories. For the experience to be complete, the performance included even domestic animals from that times which were able to move freely among the actors, which particularly delighted the youngest visitors.
The performance which was full of music and dance was enjoyed by hundreds of local and foreign pilgrims who had decided to spend the Christmas night in the place known for apparitions of Virgin Mary.
The events in Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus will be re-enacted once again on 28 December. In addition to the usual prayer program, the live nativity scene will be staged after the afternoon mass.
