Tampa, Florida – All are welcome at the Franciscan Center’s annual “Blessing of the Creche” on Friday, December 11th at 7:00 pm on the Center grounds at 3010 North Perry Avenue, Tampa. We’ll provide cookies, cider, and caroling, and we encourage guests to bring their nativity scene figurines to be blessed by the Franciscan Friars of Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa. We also invite you to bring an unwrapped gift for mothers and infants that volunteers will deliver to the Dawning Family Services and Life Pregnancy Center in Tampa.
This blessing event is an annual tradition at the Franciscan Center. St. Francis of Assisi commemorated the birth of Jesus with a live nativity scene in 1223. Villagers came to gaze at the nativity as Francis preached about “the babe of Bethlehem.” Legend also claims that the hay used by Francis miraculously acquired the power to cure local cattle diseases.
Crèche is the French term for a Nativity, manger, or crib scene. Today it is common to have a crèche in the church during the Christmas season. Many Christian families also have crèches in their homes or on their front lawn as Christmas decorations. In some localities, crèches are on display in the town square, a park, or some other public place.
The Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa, FL 33603, is a non-profit, 501(3)(c), private retreat house sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY with dedicated laity who are committed in carrying out the mission. More information about the Center, upcoming retreat and events, and booking the venue is available by calling (813) 229-2695 and by visiting https://www.franciscancentertampa.org/