A presepio is an Italian Nativity scene where the Holy Family is the centerpiece, while also bringing to life a bustling Neapolitan village during the Renaissance. The image here is exhibited at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, however the original 3D presepio is on display every year at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbonnais, IL.
Fr. Richard J. Pighini, CSV, pastor at Maternity BVM Church has been collecting individual pieces for the presepio from Naples, Italy for the past 10 years. He proudly sets up the display on the altar to Mary after the 4th Sunday of Advent – each year a little differently.
Be sure to stop in to see it in person this Christmas season to truly understand the amount of detailed work that is involved in such an elaborate Nativity scene.