Joyful Mystery #3

The Third Joyful Mystery is usually referred to in English as The Nativity. It’s the familiar story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Although it may seem somewhat understated here in the context of the Rosary, one might remember that for most of the history of Christianity, the birth of Christ was a more subdued holiday.

The monument is one of the originals dating from 1675. Seven of the 15 original monuments were recreated in 1999 in anticipation of a visit from Pope John Paul II. Within the tezontle image, although it’s obviously weathered, one can still make out the outlines of the traditional nativity scene. This is completed with heavenly angels looking down from on high.

The Third Mystery is right above the important intersection of Calle Beethoven and within the Colonia Peralvillo. The Beethoven Market is just about one block to the west on the street of the same name.

This is the final Mystery within the Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc. The remaining 12 Misterios monuments are northward in the Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero. Fortunately, this walk crosses the sunken Circuito Interior highway with just a little bridge. It’s about two blocks north of here, and the Fourth Joyful Mystery is just beyond that.