In 1223, St. Francis decided to re-enact Christ’s birth in the town of Greccio, Italy. Our Lady of the Angels Province friar and Pastor/Rector of our Chicopee, MA pastoral ministry – the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr, Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM Conv. tells the story of this event and how it led to the nativity scenes we love today. This year’s December 19th Greccio celebration at the parish was Livestreamed on their Facebook page, and also featured in the December 22, 2021 online article: “Tradition of ‘Greccio’ living Nativity returns to St. Stanislaus Basilica”

Here is another video reflection on St. Francis at Greccio
created by Our Lady of the Angels Province friar
Fr. Martin Breski, OFM Conv.