Father Joe Offers Tours of Nativity Sets
Collection Includes Creches From All Across the Globe

   SAN DIEGO — Father Joe Carroll, president of St. Vincent de Paul Village, will offer tours of his nativity collection, located at 3350 E Street, from now through Jan. 6, 2005.

   He began collecting the sets more than 30 years ago and now displays over 500 creches in custom-built cabinets at his office. More cabinets were installed two years ago to accommodate the growing collection. “It never ceases to amaze me that I continue to find new sets,” Father Joe says. “The collection spans more than three decades and whenever I assume it’s complete I find another I just have to buy.”

   The nativity sets range from life-size models to a replica carved in the pit of an avocado. Other sets are made of volcanic ash from the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption, coconut shell, bronze and even wool, says Father Joe. His collection includes pieces from as far away as Kurdistan, Hawaii and Japan.

   “Not only are they representative of the birth of Christ,” says Father
Joe, “they also embody the culture from the part of the world they originated.”

   Self-guided tours are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through
Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Tours will not be available on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Groups of more than 10 are encouraged
to call at least one day in advance.

   For more on Father Joe’s collection of nativities, call (619) 446-2100.

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