The only historical account we have of Francis’ nativity scene comes from The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure, a Franciscan monk who was born five years before Francis’ death.

But the Nativity scene now recreated in town squares and churches worldwide was originally conceived by St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis of Assisi preparing the Christmas crib at Greccio.

The Nativity’s 60-plus, half-life-size figures were created “during the darkest time of my life,” said Eduard Kaib, the POW who designed and helped build the display.