Sister Mary Ann Lostoski unpacked a box containing items from a Nativity scene, shipped to the South Hills from Grand Rapids, Mich.

Such sets, loaned for display here, are a constant source of joy for Sister Lostoski, who organizes an annual Christmas crèche display at the St. Francis of the Providence of God Motherhouse in Whitehall. The package from Michigan is one of over 150 that will be on display. Each display is unique in history, style, size and materials. They range from miniature displays made of Lenox china to scenes depicted on serving plates. .

"It's amazing when you see all the different styles, shapes and sizes. It's breathtaking," she said. "One [creche] looks like a merry-go-round."

Sister Lostoski was inspired to bring the crèche display tradition to the St. Francis campus, located at 3603 McRoberts Road, when she saw a similar event at the First Methodist Church of Monongahela five years ago.

Last year the St. Francis display featured 163 entries.

The nun said that 12th century St. Francis of Assisi is credited with erecting the first Nativity scene, a scene depicting the Holy Family as it would appear at the time of the Baby Jesus' birth in a stable surrounded by animals. Sister said that she finds it fitting that the Motherhouse honor its patron saint with a crèche display as a reminder of "the true reason for the Christmas season.''

On the 33-acre campus in Whitehall, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God operate a child care center and a Franciscan Spirit and Life Center, which cares for retired members of the religious community. The order also does missionary work in Lithuania and has a presence in Brazil.

This holiday season, the annual crèche show returns for a fourth year after a one-year hiatus due to renovations at the convent's lecture hall, where the display is shown. Visitors will notice new carpeting and curtains in the large room where nearly 20 tables will be set up around the perimeter of the room.

"They use antique doilies, silken material and put candles all around," said Mary Scabilloni, of Castle Shannon, who enjoys getting in the Christmas spirit at the show.

Ms. Scabilloni will again bring the Nativity set she made several years ago from rags and wheat paste.

The crèche display inspired Ms. Scabilloni to become a collector. Since the shows began, she looks for treasures wherever she can.

"I found an old plaster one at Goodwill," she said. She also found a paper-mache Nativity set at an antique shop.

The word has spread about the St. Francis crèche display over the last few years with more entries arriving each year. Members of the community, staff and the Sisters all contribute to the two-day event.

Sister Mary Ann Lostoski and her twin sister, Ann Marie Lostoski, also a nun, help with set up at the event. The twin Sisters celebrated 50 years with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God on June 23.

Ms. Scabilloni has displayed many nativity scenes at the show since its debut. She plans to contribute numerous different sets again this year.

"I just love it. I love the age and beauty of each one of them. Every one of them is just as beautiful as the other one.

The event is free to the public. Ms. Lostoski said, "The show is designed to get people in the Christmas spirit."

A booklet is produced each year that provides a brief history of each crèche along with the owner's name. Prizes are awarded in different categories such as smallest and most unique. Ms. Scabilloni's three kings made of rags and wheat paste won honors for the most unique at the first show held in 2003.

The Creche Display will be held 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 30 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the church at 306 McRoerts Road in Whitehall.

For more, call 412-885-7232.