A live nativity at Neumann University will take place Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 6:15 PM, on the lawn of the Mirenda Center.

This annual re-enactment is sure to capture the Christmas spirit, as this year marks the 800th anniversary of Christians celebrating the birth of Christ by staging a public performance of the Christmas story.

St. Francis of Assisi created the first live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Now a traditional element of Christmas festivities around the world, the ritual has been celebrated ever since.

The live nativity at Neumann University is a free event open to the public. 

Neumann students will re-enact the Franciscan tradition of the crib, performing the live nativity scene, complete with live manger animals.

President Chris Domes, First Lady Mary Domes, and Vice President Sr. Kathy Dougherty will host the event and read the scripture narration.

A children’s choir from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield will perform Christmas hymns during the live nativity.

From 5:30 to 7:15 PM., a petting zoo of manger animals will be on-site to entertain youngsters at the event.

In addition to the Greccio celebration, the university also invites the community to celebrate Mass at 4:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel, located in the Bachmann Building.   

After the re-enactment, all are welcome to meet Santa and enjoy refreshments in the Bayada Atrium of the Mirenda Center.

For a complete schedule of cultural events at Neumann, visit www.neumann.edu/arts.