Presepios, nativities illuminate throughout the archdiocese

Italian nativity donated after 9/11 on view in Montclair, another has been here for over 100 years

The Presepe della Pace or “Nativity of Peace,” a detailed 18th-century-style nativity scene originating from the Ferrigno Workshop in Naples, Italy, is now on display within the Archdiocese of Newark. The nativity scene was donated to Federation of Associations of Campania USA after 9/11 by the President of the Region of Campania, Antonio Bassolino. Ever since, the presepio has been exhibited in churches and museums throughout the U.S. at Christmas time, serving as a symbol of international fraternity and love.

A “presepio” is an Italian term for a nativity scene or crèche, representing the birth of Jesus Christ.

This year, the Presepe della Pace will be on display at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory (OLMC) in Montclair in collaboration with the St. Vito Society at OLMC. The exhibition is scheduled to run from Dec. 14 to Jan. 8 when a Holy Mass of Thanksgiving will be held with a reception of the presidents of the Federation of Associations of Campania USA.

A close-up of Joseph and Mary at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The presepio was commissioned with the purpose “to bring peace, love, and brotherhood, akin to Holy Christmas,” in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, said Father Giandomenico Flora, the rector of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory.

The Presepe della Pace, according to Father Flora, goes beyond the usual emphasis on the Holy Family, the Three Kings, and shepherds. It also intricately portrays the rich tapestry of village life in all its diverse facets, he said.

“[It] shows the life of the village in all its variety,” Father Flora said. “Then, among all of this, there is the simplicity of the nativity scene. The intention of this kind of nativity is to underline that amid world’s activity the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph are watching over their newborn child who is the Prince of Peace, the Word made flesh, our Savior.”

The nativity scene serves as a “poignant reminder of the divine presence and the enduring hope brought forth by the birth of Christ,” Father Flora said.

He noted that this year “marks the 20th anniversary of the Campania Region’s donation” of the presepio. It was exhibited for the first time in 2003 in New York, at the regional headquarters of the Federation of Associations of Campania USA. Previously, it has exhibited locally at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center in Tuckahoe, N.Y., Casa Belvedere in Staten Island, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in the Bronx, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Lyndhurst, and the Italian American Museum in New York. It serves as a testament to the enduring cultural exchange between Italy and the United States.

Presepio displays carry considerable cultural significance in Italian American communities throughout the U.S. The craftsmanship of the figurines and the production techniques have been handed down over centuries. Creating these nativity scenes involves a laborious process of casting, trimming, drying, firing, and painting. The artisans then hand-dress the figurines and embellish them with various accessories to align with their roles in the scene.

At St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, recognized as the National Shrine of St. Gerard, parishioners traditionally have three presepios to gaze upon during Advent. Among them, two serve as permanent fixtures throughout the year, one of which was constructed over a century ago in 1908 and remains on display in the Museum of the Old First Ward of Newark that is in the St. Lucy’s Church Community Center.

*In the Museum of the Old First Ward of Newark located at the St. Lucy’s Community Center, a massive presepio on permanent display spans 30 feet in length and 15 feet in height.*

For over 107 years, a cherished tradition involved transporting the figurines from the Museum to the church and displaying the presepio there during the Christmas season. However, it now enjoys a permanent showcase at the Museum of the Old First Ward of Newark, situated in the St. Lucy’s Church Community Center. The display has drawn visitors from around the world, according to museum curator Bob Cascello.

“People have come from all over to see the presepio,” said Cascello. “I’ve had people come all the way from England to see it.”

*In the basement of St. Lucy’s Church, a presepio with Napoli-sourced pieces curated over the span of 107 years is on permanent display.*

The large nativity scene stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 30 feet in length. It was crafted by Deacon Louis Laffredo over the span of his lifetime. Laffredo, who was a dedicated presepio collector according to Cascello, spent decades enriching his collection with figurines directly sourced from Naples, Italy. In 2009, he donated the entire display to St. Lucy’s Church, where he served as a deacon.

The presepio illustrates a classic nativity scene of a southern Italian village. It features operational fountains and electric windmills, portraying peasants, craftsmen, children, families, and various others engaged in their daily routines, all while the Holy Family is centrally cradled in the display.

St. Lucy’s Church features another presepio, constructed in 1908 by parishioner Louis Penza, an immigrant from Atripalda, Italy. Over the years, Penza expanded his collection to include 100 statues. These figurines are permanently exhibited in the church’s basement, providing parishioners with year-round enjoyment.

Additionally, a third nativity display, featuring larger figurines, is arranged in the chapel during the Advent season.

As these remarkable presepios continue to draw visitors from around the Archdiocese of Newark and around the world, they stand as a remarkable embodiment of the timeless Christmas message—of peace, love, and the enduring hope brought forth by the birth of Christ.