Nativity scene
The Latest
St. Francis and the story of the first Nativity scene
One of the world’s most beloved saints, St. Francis of Assisi, loved Christmas so much that he created the first... Read more
Vatican unveils Nativity scene honoring St. Francis of Assisi and devotion’s 800-year-old origin
The scene in St. Peter’s Square depicts not only Mary and Joseph standing beside the manager, but also St. Francis... Read more
World’s ‘largest living Nativity scene’ opens in Colombia
Since Dec. 2, the faithful in Barranquilla, Colombia, have been able to visit the staging of “the largest Nativity scene... Read more
Christmas 2023 at the Vatican: Nativity to recall St. Francis’ first-ever manger scene
The Christmas 2023 Nativity scene at the Vatican will evoke the first-ever live manger, the Vatican said Monday. Read more
Mexican bishops demand respect for religious freedom, secular state in Nativity scene case
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation in Mexico will debate a case this week about prohibiting Nativity scenes... Read more
This Catholic family in Bethlehem has carved Nativity scenes for popes and presidents
The Zakharia Brothers woodworking factory makes handcarved Nativity scenes out of olive wood. Read more
Pope Francis: The manger ‘is the throne of our King’
“The manger and the cross, this is the throne of Jesus,” Pope Francis said. Read more
First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome
The first known Nativity scene figurines are housed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Read more
PHOTOS: Italian play recalls St. Francis’ Nativity in Greccio
On Dec. 26, actors in Greccio, Italy put on a play telling the story of how St. Francis of Assisi... Read more
PHOTOS: Living Nativity takes to the streets of Rome
Families dressed as traditional artisans, Roman soldiers, and other characters from the story of Christ’s birth also joined the walk. Read more
Pope Francis: Be surprised by God’s mercy this Advent
The Third Sunday of Advent, which marks roughly halfway through the season preceding Christmas, is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Read more
European Parliament displays Nativity scene for first time in its history
Until now, officials of the European institution had considered it “potentially offensive.” Read more
Pope Francis blesses Nativity scene made by craftsmen in Guatemala
Pope Francis blessed a Nativity scene on Saturday that was handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala. Read more
Contest seeks to fill Mexico with Nativity scenes in response to attempt to ban them
The contest proposes that Mexicans “place Nativity scenes on public property and send photographs to our social media.” Read more
Mexican bishops defend the presence of Christian symbols on public property
On Nov. 9, a court will study a legal challenge that seeks to prohibit the placement of “decorative objects in... Read more
Prohibiting Nativity scenes in Mexico would be an ‘attack’ on religious freedom, group says
The National Front for the Family said prohibiting Nativity scenes on public property in Mexico would be “an enormous absurdity.” Read more
Christmas 2022: Vatican to display hand-carved wooden nativity scene
A second nativity scene, which will be displayed in the Paul VI Hall, was donated by the government of Guatemala. Read more
Assisi is illuminated with Giotto’s frescoes this Christmas season
Assisi debuted its Giotto Christmas light display in December 2020, but Italy’s coronavirus restrictions last year prevented people from visiting. Read more
10 things that Pope Francis wants us to learn from the nativity scene
The tradition was born in an unassuming town in 1223. Read more
Live nativity scene (camel included) gives Catholic University students a welcome study break
On Sunday night, Dec. 12, Delilah the Camel was the B.M.O.C. (Biggest Mammal on Campus) at The Catholic University of... Read more
