Peruvian Nativity News Today

Reverend David Bahr says the nativities he's collected over

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Catholic Relief Services are partnering to host a fair-trade giving basket raffle now through Dec. 16.

The representation of Peru's diverse Indigenous communities in this year's Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square embodies the joy and hope of their faith, said Peruvian Bishop Carlos Alberto Salcedo Ojeda of Huancavelica, Peru. Bishop Salcedo joined Jorge Eduardo Román Morey, the Peruvian ambassador to the Vatican, and other Peruvians to show journalists around the Vatican Nativity scene Dec. 9.

The Vatican Christmas tree, which came from Andalo, a village of 1,000 in Italy’s Trentino province, was illuminated on December 10 (1-minute video), along with the Nativity scene, which came from the Diocese of Huancavélica, Peru.

The representation of Perus diverse Indigenous communities in this years 30-figure Nativity scene in St. Peters Square embodies the joy and hope of their faith, said a Peruvian bishop. It also marks the 200th anniversary of Perus independence.

The Nativity is from the Huancavelica region and will be unveiled to the public during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Unlike more traditional depictions of the Magi, the Andean interpretation has them accompanied by llamas and bearing sacks of food from the region, including corn, quinoa and potatoes.

The Pope made a special announcement to a group of Peruvian pilgrims in St. Peter's Square last week. POPE FRANCIS "This year’s Nativity display will also be from...