Catholic Fire

The tradition of setting up nativity scenes was actually born in Italy, thanks to St. Francis of Assisi. So, it doesn't get more Italian than this: A nativity scene, shepherds and all, made out of pasta. It's just one of hundreds of original designs, on display at a yearly Christmas exhibit titled "100 Nativity Sets.” MARIA MENAGLIA 100 Presepi (Rome) "This year we have 212 of them on display. They are all new and they came from 42 different countries. From Italy alone, we have some from 14 regions. They represent all the culture of the world.” Even though the exhibit is based in Europe, Latin American has a strong presence. Countries like Mexico, Colombia and Peru put forth their best work for the show. Displays like these prove that a tradition that started centuries ago, is still very much alive today on a global scale. MARIA MENAGLIA 100 Presepi (Rome) "In the 60's this tradition was dying in Italy. The Christmas tree was more fashionable...

(Vatican Radio) "Francis 1223 - Francis 2013" is the title of this year’s nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, marking the first Christmas of the pontificate of Pope Francis. For the first time, a Neapolitan crèche will be used in the exhibit, created by Antonio Cantone of the firm Cantone & Costabile. The nativity scenes of Naples are world famous, and the material was donated by the Archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, with the support of the president of the Region of Campania, Stefano Caldoro. The figures will be dressed in the clothing typical of 18th century Naples. The scene will be funded largely by donations from benefactors, limiting the expense of the Governorate of Vatican City State.