HOME
The BASICS
Mass Times
Coming Events
Sacraments
Ministries
Parish Staff
Consultative Bodies
Photo Gallery
Virtual Tour
History
Contribute
PUBLICATIONS
Bulletin
In Your Midst
Pastor's Desk
DEPARTMENTS
Becoming Catholic
Bookstore
Faith
Formation
Funerals
Immigrant Assistance
Liturgy
Mental Health
Music
Outreach/Advocacy
Pastoral Care
Weddings
Young Adults
Youth Ministry
PRAYER
KIDS' PAGE
SITE INFO
When we look upon these figures, the Christmas gospel comes alive
and we are moved to rejoice in the mystery of the incarnation of the Son
of God. The Book of Blessings
The
manger scene as we know it was invented by none other than St. Francis
of Assisi on Christmas Eve, 1223, in the village of Greccio. Francis
said, “I wish to do something that will recall to memory the little
Child who was born in Bethlehem, and set before our bodily eyes in some
way the inconveniences of his infant needs, how he lay in a manger, how,
with an ox and an ass standing by, he lay upon the hay where he had been
placed.”
"And
so, at Francis’ instructions, a real manger was prepared and filled with
straw, and the image of the infant Christ placed upon it. A live ox and
ass were led in to take their places in the scene."
"Simplicity was honored, poverty was exalted, and Greccio was made, as
it were, a new Bethlehem. The people came and were filled with new joy
over the new mystery. Mass was said over the manger, and the people
gathered around to listen to Francis’ Christmas homily."
"He
spoke charming words concerning the nativity of the poor King and the
little town of Bethlehem. At length the solemn night celebration was
brought to a close, and each one returned to his home with holy joy."
(Thomas of Celano, Life of St. Francis).
|
|
804 Ninth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104
Phone 206.622.3559 Fax 206.622.5303
|