Miesbach - For the feast of the Holy Archangels, the Miesbach parish inaugurates a new crib box.
From now on, the unique figures can be seen all year round.
They are probably unique in the Miesbacher Oberland: the crib figures of the Miesbacher Christmas crib.
Now they can be seen in a new location all year round and in other biblical scenes.
Right in the parish church.
The new crib box with modern equipment was installed where the writings last stood.
On Wednesday, September 29th, on the feast of Archangel Michael, the new annual nativity scene will be inaugurated.
The nativity scene fund of the parish of the Assumption of Mary comprises more than 170 pieces.
So far, however, only around 120 figures have been shown in the dungeon chapel - and that exclusively at Christmas time.
In this very limited time frame, the coming and going was sometimes brisk and the believers, who were actually looking for silence for their devotions in the chapel at the "Jesus in rest", were badly affected.
Not to mention the complex assembly and dismantling, as sexton Brigitte Denz explains.
From the baroque period to the Biedermeier period
Now the crib box, which was getting on in years, urgently needed to be replaced. In addition, in the course of an inventory of the stock, the parish crib team found out that the figures, animals and props actually present could show more biblical scenes in addition to the Christmas story and that the crib box could be stocked much longer than just before Maria Candlemas on February 2nd. Finally, the idea was born to build a new, permanently installed crib box for the interior of the parish church and thus to realize the idea of a year-round crib.
The initiators emphasize that the Miesbacher nativity figurines are something very special, yes, even a real treasure.
The 12 to 25 centimeter tall figures are over 200 years old and were created from the Baroque period to the Biedermeier period.
Most of the figures were created in the Munich workshops, which at the time were considered to be one of the best addresses for carving art of that era, says the sexton.
Oldest figures from the 18th century
Many figures that have not been shown so far are in the inventory, which can now also decorate other scenes.
“The crux of the matter was the adult Jesus,” admitted Brigitte Denz.
Because without the fully grown Christ, passion scenes, for example, would not be possible.
Fortunately, there was a Jesus head in the fund, and with the help of existing jointed dolls, the appropriate body can now be designed.
Some of the figures have suffered somewhat over time, although their storage in the upper sacristy is subject to only minor temperature fluctuations.
The oldest of the total of 176 pieces may have been purchased in the 18th century, and many of the original garments seem to have been preserved to date.
Donations for the crib are requested
However, some figures would have to be restored step by step.
According to the parish, the need for restoration for the entire inventory is estimated at around 32,000 euros.
The need for the figures in use is around 17,000 euros.
In addition, there would be around 4,000 euros for the textile restoration.
Therefore the Catholic Church Foundation Miesbach is grateful for every donation for the crib.
The crib box (almost 10,000 euros) has already been financed by donations from community members, the Miesbach Community Foundation and a grant from the Hubertus Altgelt Foundation.
On September 29th, on the feast of the Holy Archangels, the year-round crib will be opened during the service at 6 p.m.
The unique group of angels - consisting of a total of eight angels - can be seen as the opening picture.
sko