During a chilly evening on December 21, 2024, the historic Piazza Trilussa, an urban square located in the heart of Rome’s Trastevere district, was transformed into a vibrant stage for a living nativity scene. This event was organized by the Conventual Franciscan Church of Santa Dorotea. It gave hundreds of faithful and tourists an opportunity to experience the mystery of the Nativity.
Sixty performers dressed in period costumes animated the square, creating stirring and prayerful moments as they reflected on the birth of the Redeemer in a traditional Christmas setting.
Amidst a backdrop of lights and colors, the audience, holding lit candles, welcomed a donkey carrying Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus from the Ponte Sisto Bridge into the square.
The roles of Mary and Joseph were played by Soraya and Cristiano, two employees of the Italian Army, along with their baby, Gregorio Maria, who had been baptized just days earlier, on December 8, at the Church of Santa Dorotea. They took their place under the central arch of the Trilussa fountain.
Music filled the square with singing by “Corus Inside,” a choir from the Diocese of Rome under the direction of its conductor, Maestro Luigi. At the same time, several readers recited passages from the Gospel of the Nativity. They were accompanied by many children who called for everyone to embrace the message of Christmas—a symbol of reconciliation and peace among peoples. The event took place only a few days before the opening of the Holy Door at the Vatican for the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Climbing the steps of the Piazza Trilussa, the various characters of the living nativity scene played their parts: angels, children dressed in white, sheep, shepherds and townspeople, all accompanied by violin music that harmonized with the choir. Everyone paid homage by kneeling before Baby Jesus nestled in his Mother’s arms.
The most exciting moment was the appearance of three camels carrying the three Magi who had arrived from the Ponte Sisto bridge. After paying their respects and ascending the steps, the Magi presented gifts to Baby Jesus.
This event was organized by volunteers from the Church of Santa Dorotea, headed by Jan MICHELINI. The live nativity scene concluded with a blessing from the Most Reverend Vittorio VIOLA, Secretary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The archbishop appealed to everyone to celebrate Christmas by also reflecting on the greatness of God who became man and dwelt among us.
Finally, the Pastor of Santa Dorotea, Friar Umberto FANFARILLO, invited the faithful to perform acts of solidarity this Christmas to support charitable initiatives carried out by the parish, such as the Regina Coeli Prison, the Peter Pan Center for children with cancer, the Regina Coeli Volunteers (VO.RE.CO.), and caring for the needy of Trastevere .
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
