First Nativity Scene Celebrated 800 Years Later in the Archdiocese

Story by Karen A. Avitabile

On Christmas Eve 1223, St. Francis of Assisi famously assembled friars and townspeople in a mountaintop cave in the small village of Greccio, Italy, to re-enact Christ’s birth through a living nativity.

Some 800 years later, the depiction of Christ’s birth continues to be celebrated in Christian cultures around the world through nativity scenes that include the infant Jesus in a manger, Mary, Joseph, animals, shepherds, angels and the Magi.

CRÈCHE EXHIBITS IN NEW HAVEN MUSEUM

To mark the anniversary of the first nativity scene, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center in New Haven is displaying “Celebrating 800 Years of the Crèche.” The exhibition highlights the origins of the nativity tradition worldwide.

“From modest beginnings, this time-honored depiction of Christ’s birth according to biblical accounts has evolved not only into a popular tradition, but one celebrated in Christian cultures around the world,” says Peter Sonski, manager of education and outreach for the McGivney Center, formerly the Knights of Columbus Museum.

“Creches are commonly displayed each December in Christian churches and homes, and even in the public square,” he adds. “They often incorporate scenery traditions from their culture of origin, and frequently are created from materials native to those regions.”

The center’s first Christmas crèche exhibition occurred in 2001. For the past 19 years at the center, crèches from around the world have been an annual focal point to mark the birth of Jesus.

“The McGivney Center has become renowned for its Christmas exhibitions,” Sonski says. “Many people visit annually, making it a family holiday tradition. The exhibit appeals to people young and old, Catholic and non-Catholic. It also serves to educate the public about the Christmas story as well as geography and regional customs and culture.”

After viewing the crèche exhibits, visitors at the center can also enjoy the “Christmas Tree Festival,” which displays colorful ornaments and trim, adorning two dozen Christmas trees, handmade by Catholic elementary school students.

“The center’s Christmas Tree Festival offers the creativity of schoolchildren from across Connecticut,” Sonski adds. “From pipe cleaners to pinecones and from construction paper to milk cartons, the students highlight their talents and perpetuate the glorious story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem two millennia ago.”

The crèche exhibits and the Christmas Tree Festival are on display at the McGivney Center through Feb. 4, 2024. The center is located at 1 State St., New Haven, and is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and on-site parking are free. For more information, call 203.865.0400 or visit michaelmcgivneycenter.org.

ANNIVERSARY EVENT AT KENSINGTON PARISH

Meanwhile, the 800th anniversary of Greccio’s birthplace of the first nativity scene in history will being re-created on Dec. 17 at St. Paul Parish, Kensington.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. outside St. Paul Church with an outdoor living nativity featuring the Holy Family, live animals, music, performers and more. At 5 p.m. inside the church, the Christmas Concert and Pageant will feature a children’s nativity play, Scripture readings, narrations and musical performances by St. Paul’s Choir and Children’s Choir, and Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.

Bring your family’s nativity “Baby Jesus” for a special blessing. A reception will follow in the Church Hall where a special Greccio keepsake gift from the friars at St. Paul Parish will be shared.

Participants are requested to honor Jesus’ birth and the poverty of Bethlehem by bringing a non-perishable food item to the Greccio celebration. St. Paul Church is located at 485 Alling St., Kensington. Call 860.828.0331 or email ourchurch@stpaulkensington.org with questions.