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Live Nativity Continues Greccio Tradition on Campus

	Neumann students play the roles of Mary, Joseph and other Biblical characters at the annual Live Nativity. Guest appearance by Ryan McKenna as baby Jesus was made in the photo above.

To celebrate the spirit of the Christmas season, Neumann will present a Live Nativity on Sunday, December 9. The program, which is open to the public and free of charge, begins at 6:30 p.m. in front of Bachmann Main Building.

The highlight of the observance will be the re-enactment of the Franciscan tradition of the crib, first celebrated in Greccio, Italy. Neumann students will perform the Live Nativity and the scripture narration.

In addition to the Greccio scene, the program will also feature 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.

Prior to the Live Nativity, liturgy will be celebrated at 5:00p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel located in Bachmann Main Building. After the celebration, children of all ages can meet Santa Claus and enjoy refreshments in the Great Hall of the Life Center.

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.

For more information, call the Office of Mission and Ministry at 610-558-5511.

10/31/07