There are, alas, rooms aplenty in Bethlehem this Christmastime, so we’re off to Italy, where 800 years ago St Francis gave us the First Nativity Scene in Greccio.
The choice of an Umbrian cave was because the saint felt it resembled closest a Bethlehem cave.
And so Frankie asked that a donkey and an ox, some hay and a manger be brought to the cave on Christmas Eve.
And he invited other friars and people from the village, creating a living Nativity scene.
With locals playing Jesus, Mary & Joseph and their little donkey and ox playing themselves.
Greccio, you say… well, it’s a village on the edge of a wood, 80km north of Rome.
Where 100,000 devotees swell the ranks of Greccio and its surrounds every year.
And where Pope Francis came early this year to mark eight centuries since his namesake started the tradition.
Jesus, Mary & Joseph
Now not all of us have spare donkeys, oxen and sheep to hand unless we live on a farm.
So we set up our own ones, anything from wee plastic Jesus, Mary & Josephs and the animals.
To more ornate cribs, the best, most elaborate being in Greccio.
Where at this time of year nativity scenes spring up.
From miniature works in the brickworks of walls to larger displays in front of hotels and guesthouses.
Born is the one
But it’s the Sanctuary where you’ll be headed.
Where you’ll enter the Cappella del Presepio, the Chapel of Nativity Scene.
And witness a partially restored ancient mural of a nativity scene that marks where St Francis held the Mass.
They can also see images of our saint painted on walls around the village.
And visit the International Nativity Museum in the Church of Santa Maria.
With its exhibits of nativity scenes made by different orders from around the world.
So while we do of course pray for all children born today and particularly those in a little town of Bethlehem.
We can give homage to the First Nativity Scene in Greccio.
1 thought on “First Nativity Scene in Greccio”