December 9, 2010. For a few weeks now, the area around the obelisk in St. Peter's Square, has been concealed from onlookers to shield the construction of the Vatican's Nativity scene. Spanish nun, Sister Áurea, has worked on the setting up of the nativity scenes for 30 years now. She is also in charge of the dresses that go on the figures. She remembers when John Paul II started the tradition the nativity scene in St. Peter's Square – a Christmas tradition which continues today.
Sister Áurea
Tapestry Workshop (Vatican)
“The first year that John Paul II was here, like every other year, we did the “presepe” (nativity scene). He wanted us to do it in the square and because we had never done it there, we looked for a place and built it around the Charlemagne wing (of the Square). And that's how it all began, the first year we did it outside.”
Since then, she has spent 29 Christmases preparing the most viewed nativity scene in the world. Sister Áurea recalls that John Paul II wanted to restore the tradition of placing a manger scene in the home, and also encourage younger visitors to the Vatican.
Sister Áurea
Tapestry Workshop (Vatican)
“He wanted the children to come visit the nativity scene, and his hope was that many would, and that's why he began it. And when you go to Saint Peter's, the nativity scene there is beautiful.”
This is a project that begins many months before Christmas. Giuseppe Facchini is the architect responsible to make sure everything goes perfectly. It's a project involving more than 60 workers from the Vatican.
Giuseppe Facchini
Bureau of Studies and Projects, Vatican
“The construction of the structures which are then covered with polystyrene, are made by Vatican workers, laborers, electricians, and painters. After a year of working on other things, they become impromptu artists, and they do spectacular work.”
Every Christmas this artwork adds new details to surprise the public. The architect Facchini says this year's nativity scene will be visible from 360 degrees. And, the Philippines has a special place in this universal scene.
Giuseppe Facchini
Bureau of Studies and Projects, Vatican
“This year we want to join a cave structure with the stable. We have a wooden deck attached to the structure of the grotto. Since the Philippines has given us figures which are very different from what we have, we decided to create a corner that is different from the others.”
This gift from the Philippines attempts to bring the typical atmosphere of their country to the Eternal City. It displays a family of Filipino fishermen with a real canoe and baskets of fruit and fish.
Preparation on the plaza started in November and continues until a few hours before the inauguration on December 24.
Giuseppe Facchini
Bureau of Studies and Projects, Vatican
“Normally we get to finish the day before the inauguration, including the night before Christmas Eve, which is the day it's inaugurated by the authorities, cardinals, and representatives of the countries that contributed to the Nativity.”
Franciscan nuns living in the Vatican, like Sister Áurea, put on the finishing touches by dressing and decorating the figures.
Sister Áurea
Tapestry Workshop (Vatican)
“We will go in the last days, because in the first days they are still working, fixing things... When everything is ready then we will put them on. They have already prepared where we need to put one or two things. It will be when the Kings arrive, the Kings with members of their court accordingly. And then we will work as it seems fit.”
It’s a very special Christmas scene for the children and adults alike who visit the Vatican, and it represents Christmas in the most universal way.
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