St. Francis of Assisi is credited with enacting the first living nativity as a means of bringing the greatest story ever told to life. His novel idea rapidly spread throughout Christendom. Presepio is Italian for creche. The Italians have a custom of including scenes from everyday life in the Presepio. The idea is that Christ is born in the here and now and not just 2000 years ago, and so he has great relevance to our lives.
The tradition of the Presepio was begun here in our parish after I took a trip to Rome in 1998 and visited the Franciscan church of Saints Cosmas and Damien. They have on display the Grand Presepio which was a gift to them from the King of Italy. It is a beautiful work of art and well worth the visit to the church.
Our Presepio will be blessed next weekend and will be on display throughout the Christmas Season. I hope you will take time to view the beautiful scene and use it as an opportunity to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas.
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