In Tradition of St. Francis, Italy Takes Nativity Displays Seriously
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with popularizing the Nativity tradition in 1223, when he built a real-life set of the manger in a cave in Lazio.
(Naples, Italy)—Unlike America, where Nativity displays seem to be fair game for litigious secularists, Italy proudly displays Nativity scenes throughout their country. Indeed, St. Francis of Assisi is credited with popularizing the Nativity tradition in 1223, when he built a real-life set of the manger in a cave in Lazio. A church was later erected at the site.
News from The Telegraph is that Pope Benedict was scheduled to visit the Church of San Francesco of Paolo, Naples, this past weekend, where residents have built a huge nativity scene measuring 30 square meters. (Photo: Telegraph UK)
According to the report, an area in the center of Naples is "home to hundreds of artisan workshops displaying representations of the Holy Family."
