UD receives gift of Nativity scenes

Christmas is over, but the University of Dayton’s Marian Library received a late gift. The library, home to one of the largest collections of Nativity scenes in the United States, has received a container full of Christmas scenes and related materials, the gift of an Australian woman who spent more than 30 years amassing the collection.

It’s the largest single gift ever received by the library, which already has more than 1,600 Nativities, also called crèches, and is recognized as the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of printed materials on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Marianist Father Johann Roten, director of the Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute, said that Elisabeth Van Mullekom-Cserep has donated more than 2,300 items, valued at more than $150,000, to the library.

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Volunteer Henry Mushenhelm assists with unpacking Nativity scenes from the new collection.

The gift will add about 600 three-dimensional Nativity scenes from more than 60 countries to the library’s collection, utilizing materials that include silk, gold, embroidery, terracotta and turtle shell, Father Roten said. The collection also includes two-dimensional items such as prints, posters, artwork and even stamps depicting the Nativity, he said.

"The collection was exhibited every year in a special house built by her husband," Father Roten said. "They welcomed the public during the Christmas season as well as schools, clubs and tourist groups to come in and see the collection."

Father Roten said Van Mullekom-Cserep started collecting the scenes in 1977 when her family lived in Holland and continued when they emigrated to Australia in 1983. Father Roten had encountered Van Mullekom-Cserep, a widely recognized collector, at several international Nativity scene conferences.

Father Roten said the staff and volunteers at the library have started the mammoth task of unpacking and cataloguing the new acquisitions. To celebrate the gift and showcase items from the Australian collection, the library plans to mount a major show in November 2009 for the start of the Christmas season.

ST. LAWRENCE DEANERY

Pastor wins national honor

Father Andrew J. Umberg, pastor of St. William Parish in Price Hill, is one of just 13 priests around the country who will receive this year’s Distinguished Pastor Award from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), recognizing his strong support for Catholic education at St. William School.

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Father Andrew J. Umberg

This makes four major national awards that NCEA is bestowing on educators from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati this year. The others are the Distinguished Principal Award for elementary school principals, the Distinguished Teacher Award for elementary teachers, and Catholic Secondary Education Award. In each case the winner was one of a select few out of thousands eligible nationally.

Father Umberg, ordained in 1991, has been pastor of St. William since 2005. Under his leadership the parish school has launched a successful autism program which has about 30 students. He also teaches Latin in the school and is very involved in the Bible Bowl competition and sacramental preparation.

He will receive the award on April 14 in Anaheim, during the NCEA’s annual convention. Also honored at the convention will be the other award recipients from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati: Mary Stratford, principal of All Saints School in Kenwood; Lisa Driggers, teacher at St. James the Greater School in White Oak; and Tom Otten, principal of Elder High School in Price Hill.

DAYTON DEANERY

Theology on Tap in Beavercreek

Theology on Tap/Dayton South begins Jan. 29 and continues on Thursdays through Feb. 19, 7-9 p.m., at The Pub at the Greene Town Center in Beavercreek. Theology on Tap Dayton South provides a forum where young adults can connect with each other to discuss their issues, questions and concerns—things that matter to young adults and the Catholic faith. They gather for food and drink in a casual, comfortable restaurant for lively discussion. There is no charge for the program, but food and beverages are on one’s own. All young adults are welcome. For more information, call 937-223-1001 or visit the website: www.CatholicCincinnati.org/yamin/TOT

Upcoming topics include: Jan. 29, "Six Keys to Healthy Relationships"; Feb. 5, "Exorcism: Superstition or Reality?"; Feb. 12, "Taking the Plunge: Living an Authentic Life Through Listening, Following and Risking"; Feb.. 19, "Life After Death: What Do You Believe?"

ST. LAWRENCE DEANERY

Three receive honor from Sisters of Charity

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati awarded the 2009 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to three individuals who have served the Sisters for many years. The congregation’s highest honor was bestowed on Debbie Kaegi, Sister of St. Joseph Margaret P. McPeak and Victor Hugo Guevara Ortega during a Mass on Jan. 4.

Kaegi was recognized for 27 years of service at St. Joseph Home of Cincinnati, a facility dedicated to the care of children and adults with severe mental and physical disabilities. Over the years Kaegi has held a number of positions beginning with direct care staff person, assisting the residents in their daily living activities, then as unit manager, assistant program director and presently as staff development/volunteer/safety coordinator.

Sister Margaret was recognized for serving more than 30 years as an associate professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph. She has been the chairperson of the humanities department since 1997. Her nomination noted her "stewardship of the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati is legendary. As a teacher of philosophy and with her leadership skills, she been among the pioneers" to develop challenging curricula. She has also contributed to the Weekend College and interdisciplinary programs such as the women’s studies program.

Victor Hugo Guevara Ortega was recognized for his support, promotion and maintenance of the ministry and spirit of the Sisters of Charity in Manazo, Puno, Peru for 32 years.

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The Sisters of Charity presented the St. Elizabeth Seton Award in early January. Pictured from are Sister of Charity Mary Barbara Philippart; Debbie Kaegi; Sister Barbara Hagedorn, president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati; and Sister of St. Joseph Margaret P. McPeak.