December 17, 2005
It all started in Italy in the year 1223, when Saint Francis requested a special commemoration of the great Feast of the Nativity in the small mountain village of Greccio. He requested that the Holy Mass be celebrated outside at midnight, in a grotto blanketed in hay and warmly illuminated with the golden glow of candles and bright torches. He desired that animals be tethered closely by the holy altar. Although Saint Francis was never ordained a priest, he was a deacon, and that night proclaimed the Holy Gospel with great emotion. He then tearfully preached a touching sermon about the coming of the Savior, the poor and humble God-man, Jesus Christ.
Inspired by that dramatic night, his friars brought the wonderful tradition of constructing a Nativity scene or “crèche” throughout the world. Despite the inroads of secularism, it still remains a popular custom in Catholicism, especially in Italy, Spain, and Southern Germany. As one might imagine, such displays differ in style depending on the country and local culture. In Naples and Sicily, for example, the Nativity scenes are quite elaborate and bristle with activity. In the Orient, however, the manger scene is presented in a quiet, almost austere manner showing only the Holy Family—Jesus asleep, with Mary and Joseph kneeling at a distance with great respect.
As a small child, I was always intrigued with our manger scene, which was set up under our tree. It was “eclectic” to say the least, as it was a collection of plaster and plastic figures picked up here and there over the years. Today, I am the proud owner of the plaster baby Jesus with the chipped nose. Yet, only God knows what happened to the assorted array of animals and angels, some of which had to be propped up due to missing limbs. Despite the rag-tag look of the mismatched pieces, when the scene was finally arranged, it evoked a sense of awe. Although I was not a terribly devout boy, I remember the peace of silently sitting gazing at the holy scene illuminated by the colored lights of the scented pine tree which served as a majestic backdrop.
It is interesting to note that now, as an adult and a Franciscan friar, the Nativity scene continues to deepen my understanding and experience of Christ’s humble presence, especially in the Eucharist. Let me explain why.
Growing up in a second generation Italian family, we spoke English; yet we were familiar with certain Italian words. However, the one most often used and understood was “mangia!” I write this word with an exclamation point since it is rarely said, but rather proclaimed. I can still see my grandmother looking at me, smiling, pointing to a bowl or platter of something steaming and delicious, and saying—with great gusto—MANGIA! Yet it would be many years later, as a seminarian, that I would connect the two words: “manger” and “mangia.” Of course, the manger was a feeding trough! Later I learned that “Bethlehem” is Hebrew for “House of Bread.”
As I thought of these things, I could almost hear some of the pieces of the puzzle snapping together in my mind. Our Lord called Himself “the Bread of life,” and He comes as real food at the Eucharistic sacrificial meal. As we did every Sunday growing up, we gather as a family, tell stories, eat, and enjoy. This is a foretaste of the eternal heavenly banquet which promises to be a real “family affair.” Admittedly, it’s hard to imagine, but it will be even better than my grandmother’s handmade pasta and grandpa’s homemade wine.
It is very important how you celebrate the Feast of the Nativity—most especially for children. For them, almost everything holds a special message and will become a lasting memory. This is why, beginning this year, it is urgent to “seize the moment” and make some changes. If the manger scene is not central, what does that say to a six-year-old, and what does it say about you? Yes, give Jesus a special place of honor this Christmas; perhaps He will then find a place in the hearts of those you love. Saint Francis did this and his friars followed suit. You begin, and others will follow too.
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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