Hope Family Nativity Scene on Display in Downtown LA

By City News Service

The ornate Italian nativity scene displayed outside the Toluca Lake estate of Bob and Dolores Hope each Christmas for more than a half-century can now be enjoyed by thousands at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown L.A.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles was thrilled by the holy gift from the family of the late couple, now on display through the Christmas season, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

"We are honored to be able to carry on this wonderful Hope family Christmas tradition," Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik said in a statement reported by the News. "We offer our prayerful gratitude to the Hope family for this beautiful gift on behalf of all who will experience the Hope nativity."

Hope died at age 100 in 2003. Dolores Hope died in 2011 at age 102. Their Toluca Lake estate was put up for sale this fall for $27.5 million, and a trove of Hope memorabilia was auctioned off in September, the Daily News reported.

The nativity scene, which includes 18 hand-carved figures of the Christ child in a manger surrounded by Joseph, Mary and animals, was exhibited until last year on a raised platform on the Hope front lawn, according to the newspaper. Cathedral visitors now can view the display during daylight hours at 555 W. Temple St.