After a year without Greccio because of COVID-19, the Neumann community and its Aston neighbors were able to capture the Christmas spirit again as the annual Live Nativity re-enactment returned to campus on December 1.

Students, faculty, and staff re-enacted the Franciscan tradition of the crib, performing the live nativity scene and the scripture narration on the front lawn of the Mirenda Center. The program also featured the sounds of sacred Christmas music, presented by a community choir of university students and parishioners from St. Joseph’s Church in Aston.

St, Francis of Assisi created the first live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Now a traditional element of Christmas celebrations around the world, the ritual has been celebrated ever since.

A petting zoo of manger animals was on site for the young and the young at heart, and after the re-enactment, children enjoyed refreshments and a special visit from Santa.

Bridget McTiernan and Bryan Pham played the roles of Mary and Joseph at the Greccio celebration.