Nativity scenes, or crèches, are ubiquitous for Christians celebrating Christmas, but many may not know the tradition began with St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 in a small town located roughly 60 miles north of Rome, in central Italy, called Greccio. The town, built on a mountainside overlooking a valley and vineyards, had only a small Franciscan hermitage, one that St. Francis believed to be too small to hold the congregation for the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord. St. Francis, presented with the challenge of being able to minister to the congregation effectively, requested permission from Pope Honorius III to set up a representation of the birth of Jesus in a nearby cave, the first Christmas crèche.

“The crèche is a uniquely Franciscan tradition,” says Fr. Mike Jones, OFM, pastor of Sacred Heart Church. “It was a new, vivid way to celebrate the Nativity and Christmas. So vivid that we continue the tradition all these years later.”

Religious dramas were frowned upon at the time, so Francis knew that his request may be denied, even though his intention was reverent. St. Francis did receive permission from the Pope, so he found a niche in the rock near the town square and set up the altar. St. Bonaventure, from his biography The Life of St. Francis of Assisi, states, “then he [St. Francis] prepared a manger, and brought hay, and an ox and an ass to the place appointed. The brethren were summoned, the people ran together, the forest resounded with their voices, and that venerable night was made glorious by many and brilliant lights and sonorous psalms of praise.” It is unclear whether a live baby or an inanimate representation of Christ was used in this first Nativity scene, but accounts are clear that live cows and donkeys were at the cave, along with live actors representing Mary and Joseph.

The following Christmas, the people of Greccio and the surrounding area reconstructed the place of Jesus’ birth in other caves and stables, and the Nativity tradition began to grow and spread, a Franciscan tradition now celebrated by all Christians at Christmas.

“The crèche is a universal symbol of Christmas,” says Fr. Zack Elliott, OFM, a parochial vicar of Sacred Heart for more than a decade. “People the world over instantly recognize the symbolism and message, and we’re excited to continue sharing the message this Christmas, alongside this remarkable anniversary.”

The friars will distribute the ornaments, along with a brief history of St. Francis’ first crèche, at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 2609 N Rome Ave, Tampa.