This Christmas, the Christian Leaders Fellowship invites all of the faithful to see the replica of the Vatican crèche at the USX Tower Plaza on Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Crèche can be viewed 24 hours a day beginning November 16, 2007 through January 7, 2008. Throughout the Christmas season, various choirs from around Pittsburgh will perform on site.

The Pittsburgh Crèche is the world’s only authorized replica of the crèche erected in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. First erected in 1999 through the work of the Christian Leaders Fellowship, the Pittsburgh Crèche appears again through generous gifts from Pittsburgh labor unions, businesses, religious communities and other community members.

The Pittsburgh Crèche features larger-than-life-size renderings of the Holy Family, the magi, an angel, shepherds, animals and a stable, along with a professional sound and lighting system. Pietro Simonelli, sculptor of the original Vatican crèche, created the figurines, which have lifelike hands, feet and faces made from clay and weather-proofed papier-mâché placed on a wooden frame. The stable design is also taken directly from Vatican blueprints.

As we seek to find peace in our world, this spectacular outdoor nativity scene is a powerful reminder of the true meaning and purpose of Christmas.