Thanks to St. Francis of Assisi, the nativity scene is a staple Christmas decoration in every Christian home. He was the first to create the nativity scene in the thirteenth century. He wanted to design something that would bring him back spiritually to the town of Bethlehem. The city of Assisi has embraced this tradition and transformed their city into their own Bethlehem. With this year being marked with so much suffering, the Franciscans wanted to bring beauty and joy to the people of Assisi. Each night, the facade of the Basilica of St. Francis and the Cathedral of St. Rufino light up by a video projection of the Nativity of Jesus and the Annunciation of Mary. Every thirty minutes, the nativity disappears and a light show brings life to the frescoes of Italian painter, Giotto, painted on the walls and ceilings of the basilica. There is also a life sized nativity scene composed of 50 statues, including a nurse, to honor health care workers during the pandemic. People from all over the world can view the spectacle on their website, through January 6. Rome Correspondent, Colm Flynn reports.
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