December 22, 2021

Tradition of ‘Greccio’ living Nativity returns to St. Stanislaus Basilica

REGIONAL
By Sharon Roulier

(iObserve photo/Fred LeBlanc)

A tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi nearly 800 years ago in a small town in Italy was continued at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica in Chicopee Dec. 19.

“Greccio in Chicopee: St. Francis’ Living Nativity” was presented by a cast of 25, including St. Stanislaus School children, alumni, current and former San Damiano Youth Group members, and few parishioners from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield, as well as a few live animals.

The reenactment of the Christmas scene originated with St. Francis in the town of Greccio, Italy in 1223. “He actually gathered live animals and people from the town to reenact the birth of Jesus and also to have Christmas Mass celebrated there,” said Conventual Franciscan Friar Father Brad Milunski, rector of St. Stanislaus Basilica.

Parishioner Joe Dziok spearheaded the production of this year’s event. The parish had traditionally held it each Christmas season but it had not been done for a few years.

St. Francis of Assisi was played by Logan Forcier, 13, of Agawam.

“Logan did an outstanding job, portraying the humility and loving sacrifice Christ gave for us at his birth in a cold manger with animals as his only warmth,” said Dziok.

Joseph and Mary were played by parishioners Sam and Fiamma Powell. Fiamma is pregnant with the couple’s second child and is due to give birth soon.

“So we had a real pregnant Mary,” said Dziok.

(iObserve photo/Fred LeBlanc)

In addition to the actors, several young people helped with technical aspects of the production, from running cameras and video to caring for the animals to managing costumes and props.

There was also an eight-member choir composed of former San Damiano Youth Group members and friends from the St. Michael’s Cathedral Choir in Springfield.

Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne attended with his dog, Zelie, who walked up to the Nativity scene with the lead shepherd.

According to Dziok, the highlight of the production was when St. Francis said outside at the Nativity, ‘”Let us now go into the church, adoring our Lord and singing.” 

“The whole congregation processed back into the church by candlelight, singing while the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar for the period of adoration,” said Dziok.

“Overall it was a really beautiful evening and a great way to get younger kids interested in the youth group,” he added.