Unique and stunning knitted Bible figures are on display at a Limerick church until the end of May
The Knitted Bible project on display in the church in Athea is on loan from the creators and crafters based in Blarney
THE CHURCH in Athea is currently hosting an impressive exhibition featuring hundreds of knitted characters, props and animals depicting the stories from 28 scenes of the Bible.
Lovingly created by knitters from the Church of the Resurrection, Blarney, the exhibition is on loan with thanks to the crafters and Reverend Abigail Sines.
The stunning display, which can be viewed in St Bartholomew's Church in Athea, features 100 sheep, as well as a booklet explaining each scene.
While the pieces are tactile in nature, visitors are asked not to touch them, in order to preserve the exhibition, but people are invited to share their thoughts in the visitor's book.
The exhibition was organised by the Athea Pastoral Council, which has 13 members and they were assisted by the Athea Craft Group in curating and setting it all up in the church.
Pastoral council member Damien Ahern explained that the exhibition features stories from both the old and new testament and really brings the Bible to life, particularly for children.
“I saw it on Facebook when it was on display in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin and we reached out to the creators from Blarney.
“Adams of Glin helped us to organise transporting the pieces, as each scene comes in its own box and there are painted backdrops as well as figures and props,” Mr Ahern said.
He added laughing: “There are 100 lost sheep for the Parable of the Lost Sheep story - let's hope none of those get lost.”
Mr Ahern said that it's a great way for young children to learn the Bible stories and they are just urging all visitors to sign their book, take lots of photographs and to not touch the delicate displays.
“The exhibition really does bring the stories to life - it's lovely because there's been great interest in it and there wouldn't generally be a big crowd in the Church outside of Mass times.”
The exhibition will run in St Bartholomew's Church, Athea, until the end of May and people can access the Church from around 9.30am until 7pm in the evenings and all are welcome.
The Athea Pastoral Council will be returning the exhibition back to its home in Blarney at the end of May. They also have a donation box, which visitors can contribute to, as a gesture of gratitude to Blarney for the loan of the vibrant display.