Christmas traditions - Community of Rome - going to the cribs
This Christmas we want to share with you a Roman custom also experienced by our community: “going to the cribs!”, the traditional visit to the representations of the Nativity located in the churches and squares of the city. For several years, the visit has been enriched by the Exhibition of 100 Nativity Scenes: an exhibition in which one can admire traditional nativities (usually made of terracotta, ceramics, wood, coral…) and others made of the most different and sometimes unthinkable materials: paper, medicine cans, milk cartons, pasta, leaves, pencils, gloves, shoes… no limit to creativity!
The works are made by artists, craftsmen, passionate people, associations, children and young people from all over the world: from Italy but also other European, African, American and Asian countries. For the past few years, St. Peter’s Square, along one of the colonnades, has also hosted this truly universal exhibition, an expression of all cultures, of people of all social backgrounds and of the countless forms of human creativity.
Usually, during the Christmas vacations, we too do not miss an opportunity to go to the nativity scenes, warming up a cold winter afternoon with the contemplation of the Nativity, in the much majestic and exciting representation in front of the basilica, in the multiple and original depictions. Simpler representations, perhaps, but all nevertheless a sign of the faith, tradition and creativity of a people that embraces the whole world, and a sign of a God who is embodied in our daily lives, even the simplest and, only in our judgment, least worthy. Best wishes from the Community of Rome!!!
Christmas traditions - Community of Milan - procession of the Magi
The Milan Community presents the Milanese tradition, the festive procession of the Magi. The historical procession of the Magi Since 1336 on the occasion of Epiphany, the historical procession of the Magi has been held in Milan. It was suspended by St. Charles because of the plague and later restored by Pope Paul VI.
The procession starts from Piazza Duomo, crosses the center and stops at Sant’ Eustorgio where there is a living nativity scene to which the Magi offer their devout tribute: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The basilica of Sant’ Eustorgio also houses the tombs and relics of the Magi, according to tradition.
The top of the bell tower bears not the cross but a large star. Best wishes, merry Christmas to all!
Christmas traditions - Community of Melissa
In Melissa, Calabria, the beautiful tradition of the living nativity scene is carried on, in which young and old alike participate, including our Sister Elisa. In the days leading up to Christmas, markets are set up, and even the sisters have their own stall!
Here you can find typical Christmas sweets, which the women prepare weeks in advance and carefully package; they will be donated to neighbors, the elderly, friends and distant relatives. Several people bring to us sisters these delicacies, which we will partly taste and partly give away. The main ingredients used are simple and affordable for all families: raisins, figs, dried fruits, citrus fruits, cooked wine, flour, and lots and lots of honey. Recipes vary slightly from village to village, so variety is guaranteed; local products cannot be missing from the holiday table.
Coming out of the church after Mass on Christmas night, there is a large bonfire in the square, to which people have contributed by each bringing some wood in advance. This fire creates bonding among people, allows them to share experiences and stories, uniting different souls in the magical spirit of Holy Christmas.
Christmas traditions - Community of Intra
We are the Community of Suna, we have been living in this reality for a few years, although on weekdays we are Intra for school teaching. We tell you about our experience in Christmas time. It is always exciting the torchlight procession that divers in Suna carry out on Christmas night. It is a tradition that is now well established and retraces this lake a little bit.
Every year the divers, wearing their suits and fins, enter the water at the small harbor in Suna and set off like warm floating flames toward the crib that is submerged here. They arrange them neatly until they form an outline of a tree and after the lighting of the baby Jesus they loudly express their wishes for a Merry Christmas and recite the divers’ prayer while the priest gives the blessing and concludes the event.
Many spectators are present and fascinated by this movement of light and water as they wait to participate in the Christmas mass that takes place at midnight in St. Lucy Church. In this year we want to wish you a Christmas full of hope and peace. Wishing you a Merry Christmas
Christmas traditions - Community of United Kingdom
The Christmas tree is a great symbol of the Christmas season, which children look forward to decorating with lights, streamers and balls! The youngest child in the family puts a star on top of the tree, and Parents tell that the star will lead the Wise Men to Bethlehem. The evergreen tree, reminds us of eternal life. Jesus, the Light of the world, dispels darkness.
The tree is the focus of reflection, prayer and joy that Jesus brings to the world. Since 1947, every year the people of Oslo have sent a huge tree as a gift to the British people as a “thank you” for the help Norway received from the British during World War II. This tree occupies a place of honor in Trafalgar Square, London.
Christmas is not really Christmas until the tree in Trafalgar Square lights up !!!
Christmas traditions - Community of Tanzania - prayer and singing
Best wishes for a peaceful Christmas from the Tanzania Community, a song and prayer to find comfort.
The energy of the rhythmic hand movements accompanying the singing convey a deep sense of spirituality and communion.
A beautiful example of how Tanzanian culture unites body, mind and spirit through song and prayer. Best wishes to all of you
Christmas traditions - Community of Venezuela
North of Maracaibo stands the bell tower of St. Mark’s, signaling to us the presence of the Italian Rosminian mission in Venezuela. It was founded in 1960 for the assistance and spiritual care of the many Italian emigrants. It is a point of reference for many, not only for Italians who find there a welcoming place in which to keep their language and origin alive but also for ascribers and friends.
The school complex called Colegio Antonio Rosmini is regarded as one of the best educational centers in the city.
Many best wishes for a peaceful Christmas from Barrio Los Pescadores!
Christmas traditions - Community of India
Merry Christmas wishes from our community in India! There is a lot of missionary work in this area; the people are very poor and their standard of living is very low. Their faith is very superficial, no proper education, health care, transportation system or work. Because of this, people face many problems for their daily life.
People are not regular for Sunday Mass and other religious activities because there is no proper catechesis and the Church is also far away from them.
Despite all these difficulties people carry on the traditions. Happy and peaceful Christmas to all of you!
Christmas traditions - Community of Domodossola - Sacred representation and choir
Two traditions, the Sacred Representation and the Choir, have been alternating in the city for many years, enlivening the last week of Advent at the “Antonio Rosmini” school. Thanks to the efforts of teachers, pupils and families, the area is invited to reflect on the Christmas mystery. The songs, gestures and words express the meaning of Christmas that dwells deep in the soul of each person: parents, ordinary people, young people and children.
The Sacred Representation unfolds through the streets and squares of the city center with the Gospel scenes of the journey of Joseph, Mary, shepherds and other characters who gather around a straw cradle to contemplate a baby God in the center of the parish church. Everyone’s attentive and festive participation makes Christmas tangible in a setting of lights and shadows characteristic of downtown squares. The choir retraces the notes of traditional carols, and the melodies convey through sound, the movement of the heart that searches deep within for answers to our being in the world.
The words that come from afar and that many generations have learned, accompany families, grandparents and all who participate. The songs evoke God’s presence among us and instill hope in a future that is not always bright, but faith in Jesus sustains each person’s life. This is the school’s Christmas gift to the area.
Christmas traditions - Community of Domodossola - nativities on the water
Crodo is a charming village in the Antigorio Valley in Ossola, famous throughout the world for the production of Crodino wine. It is of particular importance to the Congregation of the Rosminian Sisters of Providence because Maria Camilla Antonietti, Mother Giovanna, the sisters’ first mother general, was baptized in the parish church.
During the Christmas season, for many years now, there has been an established tradition of setting up nativity scenes where there are fountains, wash houses or other places where water flows. The nativity scenes are made by families, institutions, associations and private citizens. It is an original way to convey the central mystery of Christian Christmas: the birth of our Savior, the coming into history of a God who is revealed in the tender face of a child.
Every nook, cranny, cellar and courtyard is festively dressed with highly original representations. As many as 72 reproductions wind their way through all the hamlets that make up the charming village. A light in the night of the world that calls to look up to the sky.
Christmas traditions - Community of Domodossola - nativity scene of the trades
In Crevoladossola traditionally Christmas night is enlivened by the living nativity scene. It paints a picture of daily life that, on Holy Night, animates the streets of the town’s historic center. The most picturesque corners become paintings of ancient crafts. There is the carpenter, and the blacksmith, with their tools. The grinder grinds and sharpens the blades of knives and scissors. The tinsmith repairs copper objects. The beekeeper raises bees and harvests honey. The spinner spins and embroiders flax and hemp. The stonemason roughs and works stone and marble. The glazier works glass. The chimney sweep cleans the chimney liner of soot. Through the gestures of simple and generous people the mystery of God’s Incarnation unfolds in the history of faces, encounters, relationships.
Christmas traditions - Community of Chiavari
Today we talk to you about the Ligurian nativity scene, which among those in various Italian cities enjoys much prestige, boasting ancient and well-established traditions so much so that in the eighteenth century it gave rise to a real school with famous artists. Nativity art in Liguria was born and developed in the Baroque age with statuettes made of marble, wood and ceramics.
The nativity scene was represented through statues mainly made of wood, authentic works of art of great dimensions. Of course the patrons were nobles, clergy, notables, rich merchants. At the same time the folk nativity scene developed: the characters are twentyfive: from the holy family to Gelindo and Gelinda who are the first good shepherds with gifts, she with swaddling clothes and he with a hen. Gelindo is kneeling and Gelinda at his side standing. Then there are Gelone and Gelona two shepherds who come from the hinterland with thinking clothes, then there is Matteo playing the flute and many others. They all have a name and a story: there is the shepherd who sleeps and dreams of the child, the shepherd who looks up at the star, the careless woman who runs to the annunciation and takes nothing, but then on her way to the cave finds herself holding a beautiful little shirt. There is also the woman with the sick child who heals on the way to the cave. Of course, there is no shortage of fisherman, all characters from the peasant world of old. The craft of figurine making, which was very widespread especially in the west, lasted until World War II.
A laurel branch was always placed in the houses with hanging fruit dried in the summer and fall, such as apricots, apple segments, lots of nuts but also tangerines. Children who went to the house would receive the small gift. Mostaccioli were also hung from the branch with a red bow, in the ancient custom of eating them at Christmas. They are very long, smooth, thin durum wheat semolina pasta cut on the bias that do not have to be crushed before being put in the pot. If we look at nature in the crib we find the sea, mountains, valleys, all strictly covered with fresh moss with evergreen shrubs and leaves, laurel branches are not missing because it is a plant with many health properties and ideal for driving away negative energies. Merry Christmas to all!
Christmas traditions - Community of Borgomanero
Santa Cristina, a handful of houses on the outskirts of Borgomanero, which since 1980, has become the protagonist of an important and singular event: a Living Nativity Scene, in which about three hundred extras participate: young and old, young and old…
Almost the whole village is involved, and it is on the move. That night no illumination brightens the village. Only the warm light of flashlights, the glow of ancient oil lamps and the flame of small fires create atmospheres now forgotten, in the many posts scattered throughout the village, recreating the simplicity of ancient times. Here is a post of Roman soldiers, stationed in Palestine. To comply with the order of Caesar Augustus, who wanted a census for his entire empire, Mary and Joseph, too, from Nazareth and Galilee went to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem.
Having fulfilled their duty, they began to travel the streets of Bethlehem in search of lodging, especially for Mary, who was pregnant and close to giving birth. In the evening, along the poor streets, Mary and Joseph saw many families already around the fire…. But where to find lodging? Some artisans were still working in their workshops, and the full inns were working at full capacity to accommodate all those strangers. But for Mary and Joseph, no room could be found in any inn, and on their way out of Bethlehem in search of shelter, they saw shepherds, who kept vigil by the fire in the night, near their flocks. Only in a stable did they find shelter.
There Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes. But behold, midnight approached in St. Christina, and following Joseph with Mary and the newborn Jesus, all went to church to give thanks and praise to God for the immense gift of Christ our Savior. With best wishes for a joyous Holy Christmas from the Mother House Community in BORGOMANERO
Mother Giovanna Anniversary:
Festa della Cella 2022:
At the Calvary in the Sala Bozzetti the Father General Don Marco Tanghetti meets the Sisters, Ascribes and Volunteers of the Calvary, Domodossola.
