At Santa Brigida Church in Marrickville, an Italian Christmas tradition continues to shine, illuminating the spirits and streets of the community.
The Santa Brigida nativity scene, started 55 years ago by Father Raffaele Tresca, has withstood the passage of time thanks to the tireless efforts of an Italian community determined to preserve the magic of Christmas.
For over half a century, the Italians of Marrickville have passionately devoted themselves to keeping this tradition alive, passing it on from generation to generation.
But over the past 13 years, a special group of Italians from Santa Brigida, led by Tony Cipolla, has taken the initiative to organise an extraordinary nativity scene for the whole community.
The Santa Brigida nativity scene is not only an artistic expression of the Nativity, but one that requires collective participation.
Each year, the group strives to create a nativity scene that not only reflects Italian traditions but is also accessible and open to all.
The community comes together and creates a special bond during the Christmas season. In an increasingly fast-paced and hectic world, the Santa Brigida nativity scene represents a return to one’s roots, a time for reflection and sharing.
Italian tradition lives and thrives in this corner of Marrickville, uniting with the present and looking to the future with hope and devotion.
