Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Dec 14: After the grand success of 'Voparinchi Saanz', St Anne’s Friary in the city is all set to present another musical show 'Bethlehemachi Saanz', a portrayal about origin of the concept of Christmas crib on Sunday, December 16 at St Agnes Special School Grounds at 6 pm.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Fr Melwyn, director of the show said, “Based on portrayal of Biblical parables, we had presented 'Voparinchi Saanz'. The appreciation and support from the audience for the show compelled us to come out with another innovative play. So this time, we have selected Christmas crib as a main subject and try to narrate the story of crib prepared by St Francis Assisi in the 13th century.”

“St Francis preached about the humble birth of the new born King. On lookers enjoyed the re-enactment of Christ's birth so much that the custom soon spread throughout Italy and Europe. ‘Bethlehemachi Saanz’ will exhibit the first crib which was made by St Francis,” he added. 

St Francis of Assisi generally receives the credit for popularizing the Nativity scene. It is said that at Christmas time in the 13th century, he recreated the manger scene using real people and animals in a cave near the Italian village of Greccio.

The show is written and directed by Fr Melwyn Paul D'souza of Capuchin Friars and choreographed by Suresh Attavar of Chakrapani Nrutya Kalakendra. The students of St Agnes CBSC School and well-known artistes of Mangaluru will be part of the musical drama. Entry for the show is free.

Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza

Fr Paul Melwyn is a well-known Konkani writer especially known for spiritual writings. He is also a musician and lyricist with many Konkani devotional music albums to his credit. He is presently the superior of St Anne’s Friary and president of Konkani Natak Sabha.