Pope Francis blessed a Nativity scene on Saturday that was handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala.<\/p>\n
Guatemala\u2019s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario B\u00facaro led a delegation that traveled from the Latin American country to be present for the Nativity scene\u2019s inauguration in Vatican City\u2019s Paul VI Hall on Dec. 3.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the first time in history that our country presents a Nativity scene in the Vatican, a beautiful work of sacred art, personally delivered to Pope Francis and, therefore, also a gift from the people of Guatemala in anticipation of Christmas,\u201d B\u00facaro said.<\/p>\n
Guests of the Embassy of Guatemala to the Holy See at the Nativity’s inauguration. Embassy of Guatemala to the Holy See<\/p>\n
The Nativity scene was made by the combined effort of more than 30 artisans. It features the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, wearing large golden crowns, in a manger surrounded by angels.<\/p>\n
Nativity scene handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala. Embassy of Guatemala to the Holy See<\/p>\n
At the Nativity\u2019s inauguration, Pope Francis explained that the Nativity scene tells of \u201cthe birth of the Son of God who became man to be close to each of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn its genuine poverty, the Nativity scene helps us to rediscover the true richness of Christmas,\u201d the pope said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSimple and familiar, the Nativity scene recalls a different Christmas from the consumerist and commercial one. \u2026 It reminds us how good it is for us to cherish moments of silence and prayer in our days, which are often overwhelmed by frenzy.\u201d<\/p>\n
In St. Peter\u2019s Square, the Vatican has also displayed an outdoor wooden Nativity scene hand carved from alpine cedar trees from Italy\u2019s northeasternmost region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.<\/p>\n
Pope Francis recommended silent prayer and contemplation of the Christ child in a Nativity scene as an intimate experience of God\u2019s humility and tenderness.<\/p>\n
Pope Francis blessed a nativity scene that was handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala on Dec. 3, 2022. Vatican Media<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if we really want to celebrate Christmas, let us rediscover through the Nativity scene the surprise and wonder of littleness, the littleness of God, who made himself small, who was not born in the splendor of appearance, but in the poverty of a stable,\u201d Pope Francis said.<\/p>\n
The Guatemalan Nativity scene will remain on display in Paul VI Hall until Jan. 8, when the Church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.<\/p>\n
This article was originally published by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n