For many years at our Heart of Mary Priory in Lake Villa, IL the foyer was graced by a little handmade miniature southwest style adobe mission church. Built by a talented friend and benefactor it was used as a donation box next to the votive candle stands. Delightful in its details, the stucco was uneven, bells hung atop the roof front and there was a cross at the front apex, the front steps led to a wooden door, there were stained glass windows, and a small cobblestone plaza. Off to one side was a sitting figure resting next to his donkey and on the other side a cactus. There were even little wooden Handmaids of the Precious Blood, hands folded in prayer, ascending the steps to the white church. It came with us to Tennessee when the Priory was closed and in more recent years it has enjoyed new life as a Christmas decoration with the addition of pine trees, Christmas wreathes, a Nativity set with Magi and gifts, a candy cane, and Christmas lights for the cactus.
This year, for the Diamond Jubilee, we decided it would be our centerpiece decoration beneath the enormous fireplace. Usually, our largest non-Chapel Nativity set had the honors but this time, humility and simplicity, represented by this well traveled Church, got the spot light next to the Christmas tree.
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- A dear friend of the community built this and gave it to the Sisters several decades ago.
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- We used it this year as a Christmas decorative centerpiece.
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- He not only included little nun figures but this gentleman sitting by his donkey.
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- Since our arrival in Tennessee delicate miniatures were added to further decorate the Church.
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- Even a church yard Nativity set was added, replete with three wisemen.
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- Details up close. Notice one nun figure is carrying roses.