Nativity Scene Collection at MOSTHistory

Every year since 2021, the Museum of South Texas History has displayed nativity scenes from the late Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Peña’s collection during the holiday season, ending its run on the weekend close to Jan. 6.

Bishop Peña served the Diocese of Brownsville from 1995 to 2009, when he retired at age 75. However, he continued his involvement with the diocese and other ministries. During his time as priest and bishop, Peña collected nativity scenes on his travels and received many nativities from parishioners and friends. As his collection grew, he began to display them year-round. Bishop Péna did not consider them simply as seasonal decor but as a reminder of God’s divine love. He enjoyed sharing them with those who visited, using them as a medium through which to express his faith.

A tireless advocate for immigrants and the poor, Bishop Peña lived by a personal creed that became his motto: “Do everything with love.”

When he passed away in September 2021, the bishop willed his collection of nativity scenes to the Museum of South Texas History and the Historic Brownsville Museum. The collection features nativities in various sizes made from wood, glass, crystal, metal, and other materials.

The Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Peña Nativity Scene Collection will be displayed at the museum until Jan. 5, 2025. Admission to the exhibit is included in the regular fee.

MOSTHistory is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. It is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Visit mosthistory.org/events for the latest information.