Posted on 12/15/2007 5:37:21 AM PST by NYer
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Sheltered under a tree and concealed by burlap and scaffolding, the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square -- still under construction -- was planned to put the Holy Family in Joseph's carpentry workshop.
The Vatican office in charge of the creche's construction took its inspiration from Matthew's Gospel account of the birth of Jesus: "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son and he named him Jesus."
The central scene was designed to be Joseph's dwelling and his carpentry workshop with angels hovering above from a small balcony, according to a Dec. 13 written statement by the office for technical services for Vatican City.
The scene was to be flanked by another carpentry shop and an inn.
Joseph lived and worked in Nazareth while "Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea" as Matthew's account also confirms.
Pier Carlo Cuscianna, director of technical services for Vatican City, told Catholic News Service Dec. 14 he was aware of the "polemic" circulating in the press over the Vatican depicting Jesus' birth in Joseph's home.
He did not say whether the scene was to be in Nazareth or Bethlehem, but said, "I am certain Matthew reflected well on the meaning" of home in the Gospel verse on which the Vatican office based its design.
The Vatican's 2006 scene placed the Holy Family under a tent nestled in rock.
This year, in addition to Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and the three kings, the creche in St. Peter's Square will also feature a baker and musicians.
Ten new larger-than-life figures on display this year are the handiwork of sculptors from Tesero, an Italian town of 2,700 people high in the Alps near Trent. Seven of these figures will be on loan and three -- the baker, a woman and a child -- will be donated to the Vatican.
The Vatican Nativity scene officially is unveiled Dec. 24 and remains in the square until the Feb. 2 feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Ping
BTTT! I had a question about this today from someone.
**The Vatican Nativity scene officially is unveiled Dec. 24 and remains in the square until the Feb. 2 feast of the Presentation of the Lord.**
Just like all the Advent candles are not lit at one time, the Christmas Nativity scene is not unveiled now, but on Christmas eve.
I only had the empty stable with the animals at this time when we had a family.
The Vatican’s tribute to the year A, when the Gospel of Mathew is read.
Huh???
Very interesting! I create Nativity Scenes in the Spanish tradition, and they are very fond of depicting the Nativity in unusual places.
Generally, the Nativity in a Spanish scene occurs in a cave, as it does in Eastern Church icons.
this link goes with this story
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