Baby Markiel The Chosen One

Image: Baby Markiel starred alongside his siblings in Mater Private Hospital Mackay’s annual nativity play

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Mater Private Hospital Mackay staged its annual nativity play last Wednesday, December 7 starring the children of Mater staff, with the most recently born baby cast as the infant Jesus.

This year the part was played by one month old Markiel Ysaac Reyes, the son of Mater Private Hospital Mackay Midwife Maria Reyes.

Maria said it was the second year she was involved in the nativity play, after her elder son and daughter performed in 2021.

“I started at Mater in February 2021 and my other two children were shepherds in the nativity play last year,” Ms Reyes said.

“Markiel is one month old so was chosen to be Jesus as the youngest baby of a Mater staff member this year.

Ms Reyes’ other son was cast in the role of Joseph, keeping Markiel calm throughout the performance.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Mission Integration Manager and nativity play producer Magdala Thorne said the performance had become a highlight on Mater’s annual calendar.

“Our nativity plays started more than 30 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy and they have become a great tradition for staff,” Ms Thorne said.

“Pre-pandemic, the performance would move from department to department, but now it is all staged in one area so staff can pause to watch their children perform.

“This year we have a very eclectic cast, with not only the children of staff, but also grandchildren involved.

“It’s exciting that we are able to welcome multiple members of the same family too.

“Our Mater People embody our vision to empower people to live better lives – and in Mackay we are very proud to put these values into action and provide opportunities for our staff and their families to feel supported.”

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