Skip to content

PHOTOS: Live nativity takes to the streets of Rome

 

 

Catholics from Italy participated in a re-enactment of the Christmas story in Rome on Saturday.

Rome living nativity 2022
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

The processional living nativity began outside Rome’s cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and proceeded down Via Merulana, a major thoroughfare, to reach the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

The Dec. 17 living nativity concluded at a stable set up at the entrance of the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

The walk was followed by the recitation of the Christmas Novena, and the Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the vicar of Rome.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

The living nativity kicked off with a re-enactment of Pope Innocent III’s approval of the rule for the Franciscan Order as written and presented by St. Francis of Assisi.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

St. Francis then led the procession, which included people dressed as Mary and Joseph, as they acted out along the street the search for a place to sleep in Bethlehem.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

Families dressed as traditional Roman artisans, Roman soldiers, and other characters from the story of Christ’s birth also joined the walk.

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

Actors from living nativities around Italy joined the initiative, which the Rome diocese said was “encouraged by Pope Francis, who has personally inspected the project.”

Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.
Rome living nativity 2022
Credit: Alan Koppschall/CNA.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis will not pray public Angelus from hospital on Sunday

Pope Francis to Pray Sunday Angelus in Private as Doctors Advise Resting Abdominal Muscles

Pontifical Gregorian University Hosted Debate on “Woke Culture”

The Pontifical Gregorian University hosted a debate earlier this week focused on "woke" culture.

Pope Francis Prays for Myanmar, Thailand After Deadly Earthquake

Pope Francis sent his condolences to Church and civil authorities in Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake killed more than 150 people and caused widespread devastation in the region.

Pope Francis Reveals He Survived Two Threats To His Life In Iraq

Pope Francis has revealed that he narrowly escaped two attempts on his life during his visit to Iraq in March 2021 in the city of Mosul.

Lisbon: Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass with young people

On the sixth Sunday of Easter time, the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, Parque das Nações Parish,

Ratzinger Schülerkreis Explores “The Call to Holiness” at Rome Conference

Theological legacy of Pope Benedict XVI takes center stage at annual Schülerkreis meeting.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTN.it