Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Traunstein (Agenzia Fides) -An exhibition of 35 Neapolitan Nativity Scenes organised in honour of Pope Benedict XVI, will open on Saturday 25 November in Kunstraum Klosterkirche in Traunstein in Bavaria, Germany. The initiative “Il Dio che si fa uomo nell’arte presepistica napoletana” (God becomes man in the Neapolitan art of Nativity Scenes) is promoted by the municipal council of Traunstein, in collaboration with Greenaccord Cultural Association and “Amici del Presepio” (Friends of the Nativity Scene) in Naples and sponsored by the municipal council of Naples in collaboration with MPS Foundation and Nuovo Umanesimo Cultural Association.
“The Neapolitan Nativity Scene has a tradition and a history which deserves to be told“ said Prof. Umberto Grillo Amici del Presepio secretary presenting the initiative at a press conference in Rome on 22 November. Prof. Grillo said that at first these Nativity Scenes were only for the nobility and the work of great artists, then, thanks to a Dominican priest, it entered all Neapolitan homes fostering devotion. He explained that his Association offers courses in this art. Among the most successful students two former prison inmates who took the course while in prison, and have now opened a workshop and shop in the famous San Gregorio Armeno street where most Nativity Scene artists work.
Greenaccord Association creates awareness among journalists on themes regarding the environment, drawing inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s apostolic Letter Novo millennio ineunte Gian Paolo Marchetti explained in his intervention, “this act of homage to Pope Benedict XVI is in the framework of the roots of our association which strives to promote concern for the environment”. Another purpose of the initiative, he said “ is to put God back into Christmas”.
Rev Thomas Frauenlob, president of ‘Universalis Federatio Paresepistica” and Friends of the Nativity Scene Association in Baviera, recalled that Pope Benedict XVI has special ties with Traunstein, “where he lived as a child and a boy”. He refers to it as his “paternal town” returned many times as an adult: “He used to visit the town every year at Christmas and Benedict and his brother could often be seen kneeling in prayer in one of town’s the many churches”. “Pope Benedict XVI is a true friend of Nativity Scenes” Frauenlob concluded.
The exhibition will open on 25 November with a Concert performed by various choirs of Traunstein and remain open until 26 December. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 23/11/2006 - 35 righe, 496 parole)
