Nizza Monferrato (Asti). On 21 December 2023, pupils of the Primary and First Level Secondary School of Our Lady of Graces School of Nizza Monferrato, of the Piedmontese Province Mary Help of Christians (IPI), set up in five outdoor living Nativity scenes with the support of teachers and educators.
Commitment, enthusiasm, collaboration, reflection and – why not? – fun, to celebrate Christmas with families and remember together the Nativity scene of Greccio in the 8th centenary from its conception by Saint Francis, in the certainty that Jesus comes into everyday life and transforms it into light, characterized the evening.
In the courtyards of the house, evocatively illuminated with the guidance and reflection of older children, parents passing from one place to another were cheered by the singing of angels. They met happy shepherds and sellers at the market who gave them a symbolic candle. They passed through a village with workers of various trades and a tavern where they refreshed themselves with a good mulled wine.
Among them were Mary and Joseph, on their way to Bethlehem, and the three Magi, still journeying. Everyone finally reached the Shrine Our Lady of Grace to compose the scene of the Nativity, gradually illuminated by the glow of candles and lights, singing with Saint Francis:
“My dear brothers, all come with me,
it is a living and true crib that you will make with me.”
(from the crib di Greccio of St. Bonaventura of Bagnoregio)
Greccio 1223 – Nizza Monferrato 2023: 800 years of light and Gospel, of goodness and joy to remember that Christmas is sharing and welcoming, the encounter of God with humanity and humanity with God. Every person waiting for a better today, for a tomorrow of growth seeks the holy crib of the Child who brings peace, of the King of kings who becomes small among us.
From today there is no night, but forever day! From today, the star of Bethlehem shines and, walking through the streets of Palestine of yesterday and today, one could experience it in the emotional amazement of parents, in the joy of past pupils, in the commitment and accord between children and young people, in the collaboration of all for the success of the event.
“Dear Brother Francis, we sing glory to God:
it is the crib of love, that so much joy will bring!”
