Where should the crib or manger scene be placed within the church?
In case there is any confusion at your parish…
The Book of Blessings has an approved blessing of an Advent Crib for the USA. The Introduction includes instructions on the placement of the crib. This is the sole authoritative word on the matter.
“1544 If the manger is set up in the church, it must not be placed in the presbyterium. A place should be chosen that is suitable for prayer and devotion and is easily accessible by the faithful.” (Book of Blessings, Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1875-8, pp 583).
The terms “presbyterium” and “sanctuary” are usually interchangeable, but “technically the sanctuary includes the presbyterium, the ambo and, in some churches, places for the cantor and the choir”. (Dennis Smolarski, Liturgical Literarcy, Paulist Press, 1990, pp 169-170).
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