Different versions of the same scene

MOUNT CARMEL - There are multitudes of the same miniature scene in Divine Mercy hall, but yet no two Nativity scenes are alike.

"It's the universality of this event," said Peg Bilder, co-organizer of No Room at the Inn, a display of locally owned Nativities. "It's not confined to one time, one place. It's message is universal."

No Room at the Inn is designed to accomplish two goals - to focus on

the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, and to help those for whom there is also "no room at the inn," by donating money to local organizations that help the poor and homeless.

There are 146 scenes this year, each with its own exceptional quality. There are sculpted and carved scenes; ceramic and wooden sets, and glass and cloth ones. There are Nativities all the way from Spain, Russia, Israel and Africa. There's a Charlie Brown one, a Native American one and even a Nativity completely consisting of cats.

Ten of those 146 belong to Dot Morata, 66, of Kulpmont, who has been collecting for five years now, accumulating at least 85 - she's lost count - versions of the Nativity.

"I love the beautiful ones, but I like the different ones the most," she said. "Last year, I told Peg I had pigs and I think she stopped breathing."

Among the unusual sets - including the pig nativity - Morata also owns Native American, Eskimo, Amish, Chinese, bears, snowmen, a s'mores and two mice versions.

It was the snowmen version in a Boscov's store that first piqued her interest five years back.

"I never say anything other than people," she explained, "and I thought, 'I have to have that.'"

From then on, she started collecting the plethora of types. She displays a large one out in the open each Christmas, and many of the smaller other ones are displayed in a curio cabinet. Still, many more are in boxes because there is no more room in the cabinets.

Morata was excited last year when she saw there was going to be an event displaying the scenes. She was the first to register.

"I like to show people, but I don't like everyone coming to my house," she said. "This is a great way to show it off."

Bilder and Jim Madden, local residents and former classmates at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School, class of 1971, planned the event last year at the encouragement of Madden's sister, Kathy Lane. Lane, who currently resides in California, attends a similar event annually near her home and had been trying to convince her brother, who has a growing collection of Nativities as well, to start the tradition in this area.

Last year, the event took place at Holy Angels Church, Kulpmont, and featured 120 Nativity scenes. Madden and Bilder plan to host the event in different places each year.

The public, said Madden, seemed to enjoy the idea, recalling fondly Nativity scenes from their childhood.

Bilder agreed, adding it was initially the challenge to see if they could pull it off that was a catalyst for her.

"The community response was more than expected," she said. "The people who came, their reactions and responses were encouraging. It was an idea worth doing."

Bilder said no single display is her favorite, explaining every time she looks, a new one catches her eye.

"What's even more endearing is not just the set itself, but what people write about it, what they treasure about it, and what they say," she said.

Also featured this year are four raffles. For $5, three tickets can be purchased to win a large Nativity scene valued at $149.99, donated by Maria Karris. For $1, a ticket can be purchased to win either a Rita's Bakeshop "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake, a basket or a banner made by Lourdes first-grade students.

Last year, $875 in donations were collected for Manna For the Many, of Shamokin, and Cornerstone Community Center, of Mount Carmel. This year, donations will be given to St. Vincent DePaul Society (Divine Redeemer) and the Salvation Army.

The display will also be open today from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Divine Mercy hall, which is behind the Divine Redeemer parish office in the 400 block of West Cherry Street. It is free to the public and donations are accepted.

For more information, call 339-5117.

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