Daley Plaza Christmas Nativity Opens Saturday

Holiday Manger Display Continues Longtime Chicago Tradition

Contact: Lori Solyom, TC Public Relations, 630.640.0426, lori@tcpr.net

(November 23, 2016 Chicago) Saturday morning, a three decade plus Chicago tradition continues when the
God Squad assembles the life size nativity scene on Daley Plaza. Part of the citywide time of Christmas
celebration, carols will be sung and priests will lead children into the manger with the baby Jesus figurine. The
simple wooden stable housing the Holy Family tableau has occupied its place on Daley Plaza each Christmas
season for 32 years. Hosted by the Chicago Nativity Scene Committee, the Christmas display represents classic
free speech and free exercise of faith by private citizens in the public square.

WHAT: Christmas Nativity at Daley Plaza

WHEN: Saturday, November 26, 2016, 9 to 11:30 a.m. (Central)
WHERE: Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago
MAP: http://goo.gl/BVhwLr
SCHEDULE:
9 a.m. - The manger scene is erected by the God Squad, a team of volunteer laborers who set up and
secure the annual display
9:30 a.m. - Christmas music and carols will be led by Tom Cetera from Saint George's Catholic Church
of Tinley Park
10:15 a.m. - Speakers include:

Pastor Larry Rogers of Israel Methodist Community Church

Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel, Thomas More Society

Hiram Crawford, Jr., son of the late Hiram Crawford who was one of the founders of the Daley
Plaza nativity

Honorable Joe Lyons, retired Assistant Majority Leader of Illinois House of State
Representatives

Ed OMalley, coordinator, Chicago Nativity Scene Committee, who will lead a moment of
silence for God Squad members who have passed away

11 a.m. - Children will bring the baby Jesus to lay in the manger, led by Rev. Stephen Lesniewski of St.
Genevieve Church
ONSITE CONTACT: Ed OMalley, coordinator, Chicago Nativity Scene Committee, 847.894.6315
DETAILED INFORMATION: www.chicagonativityscene.com

When the God Squad assembles the life size nativity scene on Daley Plaza this Saturday, it will be the only
traditional display of Christmas in the Chicago Loops public square. The simple wooden stable housing the
Holy Family tableau draws visitors each Christmas season and grabs the attention of those attending the
Christkindlemart, an annual German-themed fair with a name that literally translates to Christ child market.

It is an honor to be associated with the Nativity Scene in Daley Plaza and the God Squad that donates their
time each year to this project, said Ed OMalley, coordinator of the Chicago Nativity Scene Committee. The
positive message it brings to Chicago reminds us all of the true meaning of the Christmas season.

About Chicago Nativity Scene Committee

The Chicago Nativity Scene in Daley Plaza feature life size figurines of the Holy Family, making it one of the
largest in the world. For more than 30 years the "God Squad" has kept Christ in Christmas by erecting this
beautiful Nativity Scene in downtown Chicago. Visit chicagonativityscene.com.