Christmas in Greccio | 800th Anniversary

There is an opportunity for a plenary indulgence on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of “Christmas in Greccio” where Saint Francis of Assisi commemorated the birth of the Lord starting with a nativity scene and the celebration of the Eucharist.

The indulgence is granted by the Holy See to anyone who visits a church run by the Franciscan family and spends time in prayer before the nativity scene while also fulfilling the usual conditions of Sacramental Confession, the reception of Holy Communion, and offering prayers for the intentions of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Those who are sick or unable to participate physically may equally benefit from the gift of the plenary indulgence, offering their sufferings to the Lord or carrying out practices of piety.

The indulgence is granted from December 8, 2023, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, until February 2, 2024, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In our diocese, parishioners may visit Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Triangle and Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Herndon.

Resources

"Find a Franciscan Nativity", Arlington Catholic Herald, December 15, 2023

Selected Videos

• Greccio: The Birthplace of the First Nativity Scence | Vatican Video
• St. Francis & the Gift of Greccio | Franciscan Media

Image

Benozzo Gozzoli. Scenes from the Life of St Francis (Scene 9, north wall). WGA10240. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons.