St. Francis faced a world which was becoming indifferent to the Christmas story. He decided to have a crib scene with real people in it. Although not the first to present a crèche/ crib scene of the nativity, St Francis of Assisi helped to popularise the tradition. In mid December 1223, in a natural cave in the town of Greccio he prepared a straw filled manger complete with animals. There with those who accompanied him he celebrated Christmas. It was highly acclaimed, including reports of miraculous healing and re-enactment of the Christmas story spread.

In Sicily cribs / or ‘il presepe’ were made of coral, bone, mother of pearl, alabaster and other sea materials. In Roman presepe included the local landscape of pine and olive trees, with ancient aqueducts, while in Naples representation of the Holy Family became a true art made by leading sculptors. In Naples too is a monumental collection from 1700’s that includes shepherds, angels and animals. The nativity crib is a vital tool for telling and retelling the Christmas story. Here we are told that only less than 50% of children nationwide know the Christmas story.

A ‘live crib’ will be on three evenings 6 to 8pm outside the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.