Nativity Scene Installation at Illinois State Capitol

On Tuesday, November 30th, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) will host its 13th ceremony to honor the birth of our Lord and Savior,  Jesus Christ. The event will take place from 12:00 noon till 1:00 p.m. in the state capitol Rotunda.

Our featured speaker will be the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, the Diocese of Springfield in illinois. Other speakers include Tom Brejcha, Esq., President and chief legal counsel, Thomas More Society, Chicago & SNSC member; and Gary Pierce, Key of David Ministries, Springfield and more. CHRISTMAS carols will be performed by “Majestic Praise and Worship” from Springfield.

In 2008 the SNSC displayed the first ever Nativity scene in the public square, not only in Illinois, but in the nation. Since that time, THIRTY TWO other states have followed the lead of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee.

At the end of the SNSC program, Chaplain Steve Holden and veteran Rosemary Connelly from Wreaths Across America will place a wreath in front of the five flags representing all branches of America’s military.

The display of the Nativity scene will stand in the Illinois Rotunda, in accordance with the US Constitution, which allows us to express our religious faith in the public square–as long as such displays are privately-sponsored and temporary in nature.

The créche and manger will remain in the Rotunda for viewing, during normal business hours, from November 30th through January 6, 2022. Any individuals or groups wishing to perform by the Nativity scene are encouraged to do so and should contact the Secretary of State’s office at (217) 782-8996 for a permit. NOTE: Singing is limited to the noon hour only.

For more info please contact Julie Zanoza, Chairwoman, SNSC by phone at (217) 870-1156 or The Thomas More Society at (312) 782-1680.