Rome, Italy, Dec 19, 2022 / 03:00 am
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.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/microsoftteams-image-64.png?w=600)
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.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/microsoftteams-image-58.png?w=600)
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.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/img-0399.jpg?w=600)
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.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/img-0005.jpg?w=600)
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.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/microsoftteams-image-55.png?w=600)
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.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/img-0408.jpg?w=600)
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.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/img-0463.jpg?w=600)
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