The nativity scene in the chapel of Saint-Maclou – Association les Amis de la Chapelle de Saint ‑Maclou

THE STORY OF A BIRTH

1 **Arielle** the laundress and **Ouaf** the dog – 2 **Fournil** the baker and **Patapon** the cat – 3 **Coco** the egg seller and **Sidonie** the goose – 4 **Jasmin** the washerman – 5 **Pâturage** the shepherd – 6 **Rico** the rooster, **Picorette** the hen, and **Titi** the chick – 7 **Pelote** and **Grosse Maille** the sheep – 8 Elliot the dog
9 **Bichette** the doe – 10 **Grand Bois** the stag – 11 **Marie** – 12 **Gros Museau** the ox – 13 **Baby Jesus**
14 **Nestor** the donkey – 15 **Joseph** – 16 **Laurence** and Olympe the dog – 17 **Glougloute** the turkey
18 **Léontine** the cheesemaker and **Rabbit** the rabbit – 19 **Cochonette** and **Cochonou** the pigs
20 **Blanquette** the goat – 21 Melchior, 22 **Balthazar**, and 23 **Gaspard** The Three Wise Men
24 **Glouglou** the Dromedary – 25 **Pioupiou** the Bird – 26 **Angelot** and 27 **Cherubin** the Angels
28 The **Shepherd’s Star**. (click on the image to enlarge it).

The nativity scene in the Saint-Maclou chapel sparked a discussion between Mariette Meunier, president of APEPA (Alliance pour le Patrimoine des Églises en Pays d’Auge), and Henri-Jean Lepetit, president of the Association les Amis de la Chapelle de Saint-Maclou.

In September 2022, Mariette asked Henri-Jean if the Friends of the Saint-Maclou Chapel association would like to participate in the Nativity Scene Trail, scheduled for December and organized annually by APEPA.

To respond affirmatively to this request, the Friends of the Saint-Maclou Chapel association decided to create a Christmas nativity scene.

Thus, in December 2023, the north altar of the Saint-Maclou chapel displayed its first-ever nativity scene.

Therefore, in 2024 and 2025, the nativity scene was expanded and now, in its final version, offers a whole world of characters, animals, and decorative elements that make this creation a truly unique model.

Imagined and designed entirely by a few talented members of the association, this nativity scene is undeniably unique, which is what makes it so original and rare.

Among its other distinctive features: each character or animal representation has a name, which provides an opportunity for games.

Thus, every year in December and early January, afternoon visits are organized to come and see this nativity scene, which is definitely not like any other !