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News Stories

Live Nativity Draws Hundreds to Campus

	David Matkowsky, Tylia Neal and Rick Wells performed as St. Francis, Mary and Joseph. Sophia Webster, daughter of staff member Michael Webster, played the role of the Christ Child.
	Luminary candles and Christmas lights led the way to the Greccio re-enactment.

Hundreds of people flocked to campus on December 6 to celebrate the spirit of the Christmas season and witness a Live Nativity performed by Neumann students.

 

The highlight of the observance was the re-enactment of the Franciscan tradition of the crib, first celebrated in Greccio, Italy. Neumann students played the roles of Mary, Joseph, St. Francis, angels and others, with three faculty members performing as wise men. Students also delivered the scripture narration.

 

In addition to the Greccio scene, the program featured the sounds of festive Christmas music performed by the St. Joseph’s Church Bell Choir and caroling by the St. Joseph’s Children’s Choir. The Neumann University Gospel Choir and praise dancers followed the Live Nativity
with a performance at 8 p.m.

 

After the celebration, children of all ages met Santa Claus and enjoyed refreshments in the Great Hall of the Thomas A. Bruder, Jr. Life Center. The Neumann University Gospel Choir and praise dancers closed the evening with a performance at 8 p.m.

 

The Live Nativity was first staged in 1223 when a group of monks, organized by St. Francis of Assisi, led a singing throng of local residents to Greccio, a simple monastery in the heart of Italy. The villagers witnessed a primitive crib, surrounded by farm animals and peasants who re-enacted the birth of Christ. This ritual has been celebrated ever since, in Greccio and around the world.

 

Kristen Bilotta, Erica Cruz, Katelyn Riggins and Brittany Schafferman swooped in as adoring angels.		The wise men were played by Wise Joseph Glass, Wise Edward Hastings and Wise John Kruse, members of the Neumann faculty.
Llamas, sheep and ponies added realism to the event.		Carols filled the crisp evening air.
		After the Greccio celebration, the crowd filled the Great Hall, where Santa Claus appeared, much to the delight of the children there.
St. Joseph's Church Bell Choir filled the night with music.

 

 

12/09/09