Celebrating 800 Years of Greccio: A Journey of Nativities Around the World
Eight hundred years ago, St. Francis of Assisi secured permission from the local bishop of Rieti to do something that had not been allowed for decades: a re-enactment of the Nativity for the people of Greccio, in the Rieti Valley of Italy. (Re-enactments of this kind had been forbidden because village and towns went to scandalous lengths to outdo one another in their ‘productions’.) St. Francis often stayed in Greccio when he was traveling and he was overwhelmed by the love and care of the people for him. On Christmas in 1223, St. Francis re-enacted the Nativity in the context of the Christmas liturgy and one “virtuous man” reported a marvelous vision:
The gifts of the Almighty are multiplied there and a virtuous man sees a wondrous vision. For the man saw a little child lying lifeless in the manger and he saw the holy man of God approach the child and waken him from a deep sleep. Nor is this vision unfitting, since in the hearts of many the child Jesus has been given over to oblivion. (Ps 31:13) Now He is awakened and impressed on their loving memory by His own grace through His holy servant Francis.
-(Chapter XXX of Celano’s First Life of St. Francis)
For the residents of Greccio, having animals in their home would not have been an unusual thing. Some say that St. Francis re-enacted the Nativity in this fashion to remind the residents of Greccio that our Lord and Savior chose not to be born in a palace or a wealthy person’s home, but in circumstances similar to their own. He wanted these people whom he loved to know their dignity and their special place in God’s heart.
As we mark the 800th anniversary of this marvelous event in Greccio, we embark on a global journey, exploring the myriad ways cultures around the world have embraced and adapted this cherished tradition. From the ornate to the simplistic, from bustling city squares to serene countryside chapels, join us in marveling at the universal spirit of the Nativity and its testament to faith, hope, and unity across continents and generations.
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Share your nativity with us. E-mail a picture and description of your nativity or a nativity scene that is important to you!
This was done
so that where animals once ate the fodder of the hay, (Dn 5:21)
there humans henceforth
for healing of body and soul
would eat the flesh
of the immaculate and spotless lamb,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
who gave Himself for us (Ti 2:14)
with supreme and indescribable love,
who lives and rules with the Father and the Holy Spirit as God,
eternally glorious forever and ever.
Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Explore Nativites from Around the Province and Around the World
Click on the image to learn more about the Nativity pictured.
Nativity at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – El Paso, Texas
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in El Paso, Texas is renowned for its captivating nativity scene during the festive Christmas season. Reflecting the profound dedication and passion of the community, volunteers work diligently throughout the year, ensuring that the church is beautifully adorned to commemorate various occasions. However, their efforts during Christmas stand out distinctly. The nativity display is not just an artistic representation of the birth of Jesus, but also a testament to the unity, commitment, and love of the parish community. The meticulously crafted figures, the intricate backdrops, and the illuminating lights come together harmoniously, transforming the church into a beacon of hope and celebration. Through this endeavor, the volunteers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel not only enhance the aesthetics of the sacred space but also imbue it with a spirit of reverence, reminding all visitors of the true essence of the holiday season.
Nativity at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – El Paso, Texas
Handmade Zambian Banana Leaves/Reeds Nativity – Zambia, Africa
In the warmth of a Zambian Christmas, one might encounter a nativity scene unlike any other—a tableau crafted with the robust and versatile banana leaves and slender, pliant reeds that grow abundantly in the region. This depiction of the Holy Family embraces the essence of Zambian artistry, weaving the local flora into a representation of a story known worldwide. Each figure, from the reverent shepherds to the majestic Magi, is intricately fashioned from these materials, showcasing a distinctive blend of faith and cultural identity.
This unique nativity scene is emblematic of the mission and spirit of the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, who have nurtured the seeds of faith in Zambia since the 1950s. With Friar Tony Droll’s arrival in 1965, their endeavors expanded significantly. The Friars’ mission encompasses not only spiritual care through the Seminary, convent, and church but also addresses educational and health needs via parochial schools and a health clinic. In these efforts, the Friars have interwoven their mission with the threads of Zambian life, creating a tapestry rich with spirituality and communal support. The banana leaves and reed nativity is a cultural symbol of this harmonious blend, where faith is lived and celebrated within the vibrant context of Zambian tradition.
Handmade Zambian Banana Leaves/Reeds Nativity – Zambia, Africa
Traditional Honduran Lenca Pottery Nativity Scene
Nestled atop a rustic coffee bag, the handmade Honduran Lenca Nativity Set radiates a profound connection between faith and culture, a beautiful fusion where the simplicity of the manger scene meets the complexity of human collaboration. This set, lovingly crafted by the indigenous Lenca people, is a reminder of the sacred, a tangible slice of tradition that reflects the deeper ties between the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation and the communities they serve in the Central American custodios. The friars, steadfast in their service, extend their ministry through the tendrils of Gubbio Grounds, a coffee that is more than a beverage—it’s a bridge.
Gubbio Grounds, sourced from the lush landscapes of Honduras, carries with it the spirit of the Conventual Franciscan Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy. This coffee, cultivated by the hands of dedicated friars, is an ode to their commitment to communities spread across Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras. With every sip, you’re not just awakening to a rich taste but also to the labor of love and the mission of these friars. Their toil in the fields transcends mere agriculture, blossoming into an embodiment of unity and support—a shared cup of camaraderie.
The profits from this aromatic tradition, this Gubbio Grounds, funnel directly back into the noble ministries of the friars, championing the education and formation of their Central American brethren. The coffee’s journey from Tegucigalpa’s fertile fields to the hearts of those in the Province of Our Lady of Consolation is a modern-day reflection of the age-old tradition of service that the Conventual Franciscans have upheld since 1946.
The Nativity set, a product of indigenous hands, and the coffee, a product of Franciscan hearts, both stand as testaments to the legend of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio—transforming fear into understanding, strangers into community, and a simple bean into a cup of solidarity. Just as the Nativity represents the birth of hope, Gubbio Grounds symbolizes the blossoming of support, ensuring the continuation of the friars’ divine work, one cup, one mission, one community at a time.
Traditional Honduran Lenca Pottery Nativity Scene
Nativity at the Mount Saint Francis – Center for Spirituality – Mount Saint Francis, Indiana
The Mount Saint Francis – Center for Spirituality in Mount Saint Francis, Indiana, proudly showcases a life-size nativity, serving as a centerpiece of reflection and spiritual inspiration for all who visit. Nestled inside the retreat center, this display offers retreatants a tangible connection to the birth of Jesus Christ. From the Holy Family to the shepherds and Wise Men, every figure stands as a testament to the timeless story they represent. This nativity scene is more than just a festive decoration; it symbolizes the Center’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth and reflection, inviting all visitors to pause and contemplate the profound mystery of the Incarnation.
Nativity at the Mount Saint Francis – Center for Spirituality – Mount Saint Francis, Indiana
St. James Square – Barcelona, Spain
The Plaça de Sant Jaume (Catalan pronunciation: [ˈplasə ˈsaɲ ˈʒawmə], in English “Saint James’s Square”) is a square at the center of the Old City of Barcelona and the administrative heart of both the city and surrounding Catalonia. This is because the Palace of the Generalitat of Catalonia and the City Hall are located here across from one another.
Every year, Barcelona city council pays tribute to the tradition in many Catalan homes of setting up a nativity scene (pessebre in Catalan), by constructing a large-scale one in the central square of Sant Jaume. The production of the crib changes hands from year to year, with both traditional and contemporary styles having been employed in recent editions, but always with the familiar characters of the Holy Family, shepherds, Three Kings and angels. Look out too for local touches, such as the caganer, a Catalan farmer who will be found somewhere in the scene, crouching down to return to the earth of what he has taken from it.
St. James Square – Barcelona, Spain
Nativity at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi – Assisi, Italy
Nestled in Italy’s heart, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi stands as a testament to St. Francis, the figure renowned for pioneering the first live nativity scene. Each year, this landmark hosts a magnificent nativity display, drawing international admirers.
In 1223, inspired by a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and eager to bring Bethlehem’s essence to Greccio’s locals, St. Francis of Assisi introduced the live nativity concept. This gesture set the stage for today’s beloved nativity tradition.
The Basilica’s courtyard provides the canvas for this spiritual tableau. Lifelike statues of the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus – are harmoniously presented with shepherds, magi, angels, and a range of animals, including the pivotal donkey symbolizing the voyage to Bethlehem. All set against a quaint stable backdrop, this display vividly recounts the inaugural Christmas tale.
Revealed on Christmas Eve, this spectacle graces the Basilica until the Epiphany in early January. Its unveiling often coincides with a dedicated Mass, and occasionally, a procession or live reenactment augments the nativity narrative.
This cherished tradition underscores the Basilica’s Yuletide festivities and harkens back to St. Francis’s enduring Christmas legacy.
Nativity at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi – Assisi, Italy
Nacimientos – Mexico
Nativity scenes, known as “nacimientos” in Spanish, hold a cherished position in the tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions. More than mere decorations, these intricate displays depict the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, capturing the sacred moment when Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus were visited by shepherds and the Three Wise Men. Throughout Mexico, families come together to craft these scenes with immense dedication, often incorporating a mix of materials and figures, both traditional and unique to each family’s interpretation. In towns and cities alike, it’s common to find larger-than-life nacimientos in public squares and churches, radiating the spiritual essence of the season and serving as a gathering point for the community. Their presence reinforces the deep-rooted Christian faith of the Mexican people and underscores the importance of family, unity, and tradition during the festive season.
Nacimientos – Mexico
The Evolution of the Epiphany’s Depiction and its Connection to Saint Francis
Among the earliest artistic representations of the Epiphany is a remarkable fourth-century marble sarcophagus found in the cemetery of Saint Agnes in Rome. This ancient artifact depicts the Magi’s journey to visit the newborn Jesus, a journey made distinctive by the inclusion of three camels accompanying the Wise Men. Guided solely by the radiant light of a star shining brightly above Mary and Jesus, this scene captures the essence of divine guidance and the momentous visitation. By the fifth century, as Christianity expanded and its artistic expressions became more intricate, the once humble and straightforward representations of the Magi’s homage evolved. Elaborate and grand portrayals began to emerge, overshadowing the simpler scenes from earlier centuries. This transition in artistry mirrors the growing significance of the Epiphany in the Christian narrative, reflecting its deepening resonance with the faithful. Interestingly, this evolution towards grandeur in Christian celebrations is what Saint Francis of Assisi responded to in the 13th century. Recognizing the increasing detachment from the humble origins of the Christmas story, Saint Francis created the first live Nativity scene. This act was a poignant effort to recapture the simplicity and humility of Christ’s birth, serving as a counterpoint to the elaborate artistic trends of his time, and reconnecting the faithful with the core essence of the Christmas narrative.
The Evolution of the Epiphany’s Depiction and its Connection to Saint Francis
See More Nativities Sent From our Supporters From Around The World
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Nativity at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – El Paso, Texas
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in El Paso, Texas is renowned for its captivating nativity scene during the festive Christmas season. Reflecting the profound dedication and passion of the community, volunteers work diligently throughout the year, ensuring that the church is beautifully adorned to commemorate various occasions. However, their efforts during Christmas stand out distinctly. The nativity display is not just an artistic representation of the birth of Jesus, but also a testament to the unity, commitment, and love of the parish community. The meticulously crafted figures, the intricate backdrops, and the illuminating lights come together harmoniously, transforming the church into a beacon of hope and celebration. Through this endeavor, the volunteers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel not only enhance the aesthetics of the sacred space but also imbue it with a spirit of reverence, reminding all visitors of the true essence of the holiday season.
Nativity at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – El Paso, Texas
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