To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene in history, imagined by Saint Francis in Greccio (Italy), the Franciscan brothers of the Sanctuary of Saint Anthony invite you to this unique place, to live with them Christmas Eve.
The event will take place on Sunday, December 24 at 19 p.m.
Too little known to Brivists, this place offers a 5 hectare park which is not only a place of prayer and peace but also a green setting where it is pleasant to walk.
Like the inhabitants of Greccio 800 years ago, like the shepherds of Bethlehem 2000 years ago, be bearers of light, from the caves to the living nativity scene, installed in front of the pilgrim's shelter on the church square.
Meet at the entrance to the sanctuary.
The history of living nativity scenes
- 1223-2023: 800th anniversary of “the Nativity scene in Greccio”: on Christmas night in 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi created, for the first time in history, a nativity scene in a cave.
- 1226-2026: 800th centenary of the arrival of Saint Antoine in Limousin and particularly in Brive. Foundation of the Sanctuary of Saint Anthony.
The year is 1223 in Greccio, a small village in the province of Rieti in central Italy. When Saint Francis sees the caves of this village, he feels the desire to “represent the Child born in Bethlehem”, the Child lying in a cradle on the straw between the ox and the donkey” (Thomas de Célano, biographer of Saint Francis).
The decor and execution were simple: a cave, a manger, an ox and a donkey which were brought to the site. The news spread and the surrounding villagers arrived with their lights and candles. The story of the nativity scene therefore began with a living nativity scene which celebrated poverty, the simplicity of God made Man.
The Sanctuary of Saint Anthony is:
- A 5-hectare park in the town of Brive
- 5 Franciscan brothers living in community
- 50 pilgrims and visitors per year
A simple hotel from 45 euros per night
One of the 3 major stages of the pilgrimages of Saint Anthony of Padua: from Lisbon, his birthplace Brive the oldest sanctuary with that of Vézelay and Padua, where he died in 1231.
Brive, in the Sanctuary City of France network:
The Sanctuary Cities of France are visited each year by thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world, either in preparation for a pilgrimage, or as tourists looking for a destination to discover. Spread across the entire territory, these French spiritual destinations invite you to recharge your batteries, discover an architectural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, but also to cross paths with great people and why not, to meet people.
Share this article
Or share the link
You will also like...
