Chiara Center is hosting the 10th annual Franciscan Nativity Festival — a display of more than 100 Nativity sets — a significant majority of which are new to the annual event. The event is free and open to the public on Friday, Dec. 2 from 2-7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon-4 p.m. at Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, Springfield, on the grounds of St. Francis Convent.

In addition to the artistic elements of the Nativities, the festival celebrates the unique stories of each set regarding its origin, family history, and sentimental value. This year’s festival includes sets from the USA, Egypt, Kenya, Germany, Peru, Tanzania, Bethlehem, Mexico, Korea, Philippines, India and Poland that are made of a variety of materials including wood, ceramic, fabric, glass and porcelain.

Historians claim that the tradition of a Nativity display began with St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy in 1223 and throughout the centuries, Christians worldwide have continued this tradition with cultural depictions of Bethlehem and the Holy Family.

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 St. Francis and St. 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.