The annual Franciscan Nativity Festival will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30; from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1; and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis near Springfield.
The festival displays more than 100 Nativity sets on loan, and visitors to the festival will also be able to tour St. Francis of Assisi Church, the 1920s Romanesque church of the Hospital Sisters. The event is free and open to the public.
"The tradition of displaying a Nativity set began in 1223 with St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy. Since that time, Christians have interpreted Christ's birth through their culture — thus we see the internationality and individuality expressed in this moment when God became Man," said Sister Renita Brummer, OSF, Chiara Center program director.
"What makes the Festival unique is the story of each Nativity set. Whether purchased in a distant land or made as a school art project, each set is treasured by our donors — many admitting that the sentimental value is far greater than any monetary value," Sister Renita said.
"The other unique feature of this festival was expressed by a 5-year-old boy last year as he looked at an African set. 'Why doesn't baby Jesus have blonde hair and blue eyes like me?' His mother explained the internationality of the Christmas story and how different cultures portray it," Sister Renita added.
"The Nativity Festival showcases the internationality of the Nativity story as interpreted by people of different cultures. It's fascinating to see the ways in which Jesus' birth is depicted through various art forms and cultural costumes," said Brian Blasco, Hospital Sisters of St. Francis director of communications. "Overall this festival is a great way to enhance the observance of Advent in a very meaningful way."
One particular Nativity set is especially unique. "It is loaned to us by Hope Wright of Springfield, and is made by Armando Ramirez, an artist from Mexico, from recycled auto parts," Blasco said. "Mary, Joseph and the angel are made of metal plate and spark plugs. Another spark plug rests in a manger of connecting rods from a car motor lined with galvanized wire. Although this is quite a diversion from what we traditionally think of a Nativity set, it's truly a work of art."
Founded in 2007, Chiara Center is an "ecumenical faith community dedicated to the discovery and healing presence of God within one's self, everyday life, relationships, and all creation." All programs, services, and hospitality are grounded in the spirit and heritage of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Chiara Center is a ministry of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. For more information, visit chiaracenter.org or call (217) 523-0901.