The crèche is a reproduction of the scene in Greccio, Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi staged the first Nativity scene in 1223. The baby Jesus will be placed in the manger Dec. 24. (CNS/Lola Gomez) ...

St. Francis’ meditations on the life of Christ led him to create the first-ever Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Fresco by Giotto of St. Francis of Assisi embracing the Child Jesus at ...

Marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi putting together the first Christmas crèche in a cave in Greccio, Italy, the Vatican publishing house compiled texts by Pope Francis about ...

How St. Francis created the Nativity scene, with a miraculous event in 1223. Story by Vanessa Corcoran, Georgetown University • 5d. A round the Christmas season, ...

The scene in St. Peter’s Square depicts not only Mary and Joseph standing beside the manger but also St. Francis of Assisi, who organized the first Nativity scene in a cave in the Italian ...

Francis then went to the crib and took the baby in his arms and seemed to wake him up.” Neapolitan Presepio, c. 1700-1830 (photo by Pschemp) Francis of Assisi would soon pass from earthly sanctity to ...

In front of the painting, a statue representing St. Francis of Assisi will hold the figure of the infant Jesus, which in accordance with tradition is not placed until Christmas. Next to him will ...

Each year, Greccio, Italy, reenacts a living Nativity scene paying homage to Saint Francis of Assisi, who is credited with starting the exhibition that represents the birth of Jesus.

Possibly since Christmas Eve 1223. Tradition holds that St. Francis of Assisi produced the first live Nativity scene that year in Greccio, Italy, a village outside of Assisi.

One of the world’s most beloved saints, St. Francis of Assisi, loved Christmas so much that he created the first Nativity scene to make the birth of Jesus more real. Monday, June 23, 2025 A ...

How St. Francis created the Nativity scene, with a miraculous event in 1223. Vanessa Corcoran, Georgetown University. ... St. Francis of Assisi preparing the Christmas crib at Greccio.

Every year at Christmas, the people of Greccio stage a live, historical reenactment of St. Francis and the first Nativity scene. The performance is now in its 50th year.