The Historic Significance of Greccio’s Living Nativity and Saint Francis

The Very First Living Nativity In Greccio, Italy

Greccio is a historic Italian village renowned for its deep connection to St. Francis of Assisi, particularly as the site of the very first Living Nativity scene, which he created in the early 13th century which marked a pivotal moment in Christian tradition, emphasizing the nativity of Christ in a tangible and immersive way.

Origin
In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi wanted to bring the Christmas story to life for the people of Greccio, an Italian village, as many would never have the chance to visit Bethlehem. He arranged for a cave to be prepared with a manger filled with hay and live animals like an ox and a donkey to create a real live reenactment of the birth of Jesus. Today in Greccio reenactments take place in the same cave where St. Francis staged the original event.

As they celebrate this remarkable event, Greccio continues to attract pilgrims and visitors who seek to connect with the rich history and traditions that St. Francis fostered. Greccio stands as a testament to St. Francis’s impactful role in shaping Christian practices, particularly during the Christmas season.

Additionally the Sanctuary of Greccio, located just 1.5 kilometers from the village center, serves as a prominent site of meditation and worship established by St. Francis himself. This hermitage is one of four shrines he founded in the Sacred Valley, further solidifying Greccio’s importance in Franciscan history. Throughout his life, St. Francis frequently visited Greccio while preaching across Italy, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy in the region.

Saint Francis of Assisi
The tomb of St. Francis located in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, in Assisi, Italy. The remains are housed in a simple stone sarcophagus within a crypt beneath the Lower Basilica, a site that was intentionally hidden for centuries before its rediscovery in 1818. The crypt was later built around the tomb so that pilgrims could visit.