PHOTOS: Living Nativity takes to the streets of Rome

Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022 Alan Koppschall/CNA.

Catholics from Italy participated in a reenactment of the Christmas story in Rome on Saturday.

The processional living Nativity began outside Rome’s cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and proceeded down Via Merulana, a major thoroughfare, to reach the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

The Dec. 17 living Nativity concluded at a stable set up at the entrance of the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

The walk was followed by the recitation of the Christmas Novena and Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the vicar of Rome.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

The living Nativity kicked off with a reenactment of Pope Innocent III’s approval of the rule for the Franciscan Order as written and presented by St. Francis of Assisi.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

St. Francis then led the procession, which included people dressed as Mary and Joseph, as they acted out along the street the search for a place to sleep in Bethlehem.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

Families dressed as traditional Roman artisans, Roman soldiers, and other characters from the story of Christ’s birth also joined the walk.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

Actors from living Nativities around Italy joined the initiative, which the Rome diocese said was “encouraged by Pope Francis, who has personally inspected the project.”

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

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