The nativity scene, a traditional plastic representation of the birth of Jesus, has its roots in Christian history dating back to 1223, when St. Francis of Assisi created the first living representation of the Nativity in Greccio. While the Poverello of Assisi deserves credit for having originated it, Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori undoubtedly deserves credit for having celebrated its spirit and popular devotion, as evidenced by masterpieces of the Christmas tradition such as Quanno nascette Ninno and Tu scendi dalle stelle, Fermarono i cieli, still sung today throughout the Catholic world.
Precisely because of this deep connection with the Holy Founder, the community of Redemptorist Missionaries in Pagani, led by Father Lorenzo Fortugno and with the support of the Basilica’s Celebrations Committee, strongly desired the creation of an artistic nativity scene inside the Basilica of Sant’Alfonso, the result of shared commitment, passion and tenacity.
The official inauguration took place on Saturday 20 December, in the presence of the Provincial Superior of Southern Europe, Father Gennaro Sorrentino, the Redemptorist community of Pagani and civil institutions, represented by Mayor Raffaele Maria De Prisco and MEP Alberico Gambino. The star of the event was the artistic nativity scene created by master craftsman Alfonso Pepe, made possible thanks to the generosity of numerous benefactors, in particular the Giordano family.
Numerous faithful and lovers of sacred art crowded the Basilica, pausing with participation and emotion in front of a work that, through colours, scenes and suggestions, recalls the typical environments of 18th-century Naples, restoring the nativity scene to its role as the authentic protagonist of Christmas.
The nativity scene, permanently located in front of the chapel that houses the mortal remains of St. Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori, Doctor of the Church, fits harmoniously into the sacred space, enriching it with further artistic and spiritual value.
The Basilica of St. Alphonsus, with its majestic architecture and atmosphere of profound spirituality, is thus the ideal setting for this masterpiece, capable of accompanying visitors on a journey of contemplation and reflection on the mystery of the Nativity and the most authentic meaning of Christmas.
The community of the Basilica
