PICTURES: Roscrea's beautiful live nativity 'Walk to Bethlehem' Christmas event

Pictured above at the beautiful 'Walk to Bethlehem' event, where a live nativity makes a procession through the town visiting all four Churches, was held in Roscrea. Pictured is Rodney the Donkey with Ella Mulrooney as the Shining Star, Natalie Tonelyte as Holy Mary and Benas Pukas as Joseph for the unique event. Photo: PJ Wright

ROSCREA'S annual live Nativity procession, 'The Walk to Bethlehem', took place in Roscrea on Saturday December 16.
The unique event was organised by the four churches in Roscrea - St. Cronan's Catholic Church, The Church of Ireland, The Methodist Church and Oasis Elim Church.

The first scene was in St Cronan's, where the Transition Year students from Coláiste Phobal were waiting and recreated the angels appearing to Mary and Joseph with the good news about Jesus.

Goodie bags were given out with information on the Christmas story. Rodney the donkey was waiting outside and the cast and the crowd set out for the next stop on the procession through Roscrea.

Rodney, the donkey is led over the Moneen by Aoife and Gearoid Maher and followed by Mary and Joseph. Photo: PJ Wright

The Church of Ireland was the location for the next reenactment, where the three inn keepers made an appearance.

There was crafts for the children and a prayer walk for the adults and an opportunity for people to leave prayer requests as part of the walk and each Church will pray over these.

The third scene took place at the Methodist Church. A lovely fire awaited everyone and the shepherds were gathered around it. The community choir led the audience with some lovely singing.

Finally the walk ended up at the Oasis Elim Church. Here Mary and Joseph were present with the baby Jesus. The donkey was present as were some sheep.

The unique event was enjoyed by members of the local community who took part in the procession. Photo: PJ Wright

The Church Choir led some Christmas carols and the large audience joined in. There was refreshments after this at the Oasis Centre and everyone rested after their journey.

This event would not have been possible without all the help involved.

The organisers thanked everyone who took part and all the churches involved in the planning and organising of this special event.

The Clergy of St Cronan's Catholic Church, Rev. Jane of the Church of Ireland, Rev. Denis of the Methodist Church and Pastor Pam of Oasis Elim Church and all their congregations were thaned for their involvement and special thanks was given to the Community Choir and the organist for the wonderful music.

Lauren, Roisin, Aoife and Gearoid Maher relaxing with Rodney after his big day in Roscrea. Photo: PJ Wright

Ann Marie Mulrooney and the Transition Year students were thanked for their outstanding job on providing the cast for the day, as many of them were still recovering from their horrific ordeal during the week when the coach they were travelling in was involved in a serious road accident.