The Spanish Apostolate Office in Arlington has an impressive collection of nearly 150 Nativity scenes from around the world on display in the office’s halls and meeting room.

The collection belongs to Father José Eugenio Hoyos, who started his collection when he was a seminarian 20 years ago.

Father Hoyos bought the majority of them during trips around the world, and others were gifts from parishioners and friends. Last week two parishioners added Nativities from Cuba and Paraguay.

"Every year I receive as a Christmas present Nativities," said Father Hoyos, director of the Spanish Apostolate Office.

The collection includes mangers from Algeria, Belgium, Tanzania, Italy, El Salvador, Bolivia, China, the United States, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Greece, Paraguay, Mexico, Poland, Guatemala, Cameroon, Malaysia, Morocco, Ireland, Vietnam, Haiti, Japan, France, Palestine and Colombia.

The oldest Nativity scene was made by Argentinan artisans in 1857. Another genuine antique was made in Chile in 1872. The largest is an American Nativity with 12 pieces, some of them approximately 40 inches high. The smallest, made of silver in Germany, is no less than two inches, nestled inside a red jewel-box.

The "miniature collection," is displayed in a special section, which includes Nativities made with matches, cotton balls and corks. A dozen of these Nativities can be held in just one hand.

"The Nativity from Palestine is olive wood and was carved in the Holy Land where Christ was born," said Father Hoyos, explaining the story of each Nativity to visitors.

The Congo Nativity is intricately carved from rosewood, stained black and polished to a sheen, and the Colombian Nativity was designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Fernando Botero.

The exhibit is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Jan. 6. The Spanish Apostolate Office at located in 80 North Glebe Rd. in Arlington. For information call 703/841-3883.