CLASSIC CRECHE
Nativity scene unveiled in Little Italy
TROY, N.Y. » Anyone who visits Little Italy in Troy will have the opportunity once again to see the former St. Mary’s Parish Restored Nativity Project.
On Friday morning, members of the Little Italy Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee held a special unveiling of the parish Nativity scene, where it is being displayed this year at Michelle’s Florist at 299 4th St. with members from the community and several elected officials on hand.
After St. Mary’s Church closed in the Little Italy neighborhood in 2009, the parish Nativity was handed down to Sam Chiappone and his family.
“This was an effort that was started by our Quality of Life Committee here in the Little Italy neighborhood as a way to honor the history of our neighborhood,” said Chiappone, who took over the nativity project roughly 4 years ago. “We just felt that these types of things are ways that we celebrate the past and honor the people who have come before us and honor what has happened in the neighborhood, so I think it’s really important to continue that.”
Chiappone went on to discuss more about the history of St. Mary’s Church and the importance of keeping the nativity alive.
“St. Mary’s Church, an important part of the Troy community, was located in the historic Washington Park’s neighborhood, at the corner of Third Street and Washington Street,” explained Chiappone. “The parish was led by 12 pastors during its 167 years... The nativity crèche that was displayed in the church for many years still
exists and was entrusted by the late Sam Marro to Ida Street’s Chiappone family, long time parishioners of St. Mary’s.”
Following the 2016 display, it was decided the nativity set needed some restoration and repairs for the statues and the backdrop were required.
Andrea Daley, a St. Mary’s parishioner, worked with several artists, organized and taught the art of plaster restoration. The project was completed in October 2017 and a new background was created by local artist Nina Stanley.
“I think it’s important that you continue this wonderful tradition or legacy in this wonderful church community,” said Father Sean O’Brien, who is a past priest at St. Mary’s Church.
“It’s just so beautiful, this came out so beautifully,” added Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino.
Mayor Patrick Madden and Troy City Council Carmella Mantello were both also in attendance for the unveiling Friday and were also happy with the efforts of the community to continue to do this.
“While we all miss St. Mary’s and I miss the Italian dinner the night before Election night, this certainly will continue that legacy,” said Mantello.
“I think the restoration looks beautiful… and what I think is more beautiful is the sense of community, this is a neighborhood and a community of doers and not a community of waiters, you take the initiative and do things like this on your own, you carry on the traditions that have been so meaningful in your life,” added Madden.
The Nativity crèche will be on display at Michelle’s Florist until sometime in January.