Calvin the camel, accompanied by Ivan Viall, is one of the main attractions at the “Nativity on Ninth” live nativity event hosted by Sts. Peter and Parish in Hopkinsville. This year’s event was held Dec. 5-6, 2025. COURTESY OF DAWN C. LIGIBEL
Bringing Bethlehem ‘closer to home’ in Hopkinsville
BY DAWN C. LIGIBEL, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
“It feels like I’m really in Bethlehem.”
“It’s not just telling the story; it’s a visual presentation,” explained parishioner Melanie Meek who attended the “Nativity on Ninth” event which was hosted by Sts. Peter and Paul in Hopkinsville on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
“It introduces the Christmas season and helps us reflect on what it means,” added Meek. Both Meek and her husband, Seth, enjoy visiting the “little town of Bethlehem” because they believe it helps teach their daughter the true significance of Christmas.
Caroline Young, a non-parishioner and first-time visitor, also appreciates how the live nativity educates her children. “This really helps keep the kids focused on what Christmas should be,” she said.
The parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul have been hosting this event for four years, and it has attracted many people from the community because it is a re-creation of the town.
“Most churches only do a manager scene,” explained Mary Ann Miller, a visitor from the community. “It takes a lot of dedication to host this event.”
“I love that the characters come and talk to us,” observed Young. “I didn’t expect it to be so interactive. It feels like I’m really in Bethlehem!”
Another reason why the “Nativity on Ninth” event seems so real is the inclusion of live animals.
“The animals are always fun to see,” commented parishioner Bonnie Haney. This year the animals included a five-day-old calf, a donkey named Diego, a Jacob’s sheep, a rabbit, two bantam chickens, two fan-tailed doves, a Jacob’s ram, and Calvin the camel.
In addition to the live animals, visitors to “Bethlehem” also enjoy hot chocolate and home-baked cookies provided by parishioners. Baking and donating cookies is a way for many parishioners to assist with the project when they are physically unable to attend.
Parishioners who do physically participate in the live nativity find the experience rewarding.
“There’s so much excitement leading up to it for our participants,” observed Kasey Lansford, a parishioner who dressed in costume for the first time. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for parishioners of all ages to spread the light of Christ to the rest of our community.”
Fr. Emmanuel Udoh, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, agrees with Lansford’s assessment.
“This event helps us share who Christ is to the community, and it brings the town of Bethlehem closer to home,” said Fr. Udoh.
Mike and Martha Steil, parishioners, also agree with the importance of reaching out to the community.
“It’s important, not just to show awareness of our church in the community, but also awareness of the season,” commented Martha. “This brings it to life.”
Even with frigid temperatures this year, the live animals, people in costume, hot chocolate and home-baked cookies brought many parishioners and people from the community out to visit the little town of Bethlehem.
“It’s a really wonderful way to prepare for Christmas,” concluded Haney.
Dawn C. Ligibel is a parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Hopkinsville.
Fr. Conrad Jaconette, associate pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Hopkinsville, and Lillian Zigelhoffer, parishioner, portray St. Joseph and Mary during the “Nativity on Ninth” live nativity event hosted by the parish on Dec. 5-6, 2025. COURTESY OF DAWN C. LIGIBEL
Originally printed in the January 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
