Info & Notizie
The Un. Fœ. Præ., in cooperation with the Landesgemeinschaft der Krippenfreunde in Rheinland und Westfalen e. V. (LG), which is celebrating its centenary this year (1925-2025), is offering the third in a series of paper nativity scenes to be assembled and collected. This nativity scene depicts Christmas in Cologne one hundred years ago, with many symbolic details. The work was designed and painted by Regine Weber from Krefeld (figures) and Matthias Weber from Cologne (architecture and composition).
Dear All
the President together with the members of the Praesidium would like to wish you and all your families and friends a Blessed Easter. May You all rejoice during this time.
Queridos todos
el Presidente, junto con los miembros del Praesidium, quiere desearles a ustedes y a todos sus familiares y amigos una Feliz Pascua. Que todos ustedes se alegren durante este tiempo.
Carissimi
il Presidente e i membri del Praesidium desiderano augurare a voi e a tutte le vostre famiglie e amici una benedetta Pasqua. Possiate tutti gioire in questo periodo.
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren
der Präsident und die Mitglieder des Präsidiums möchten Ihnen und Ihren Familien und Freunden ein gesegnetes Osterfest wünschen. Mögen Sie sich alle in dieser Zeit freuen.
Thank You, Holy Father.
Gracias, Santo Padre.
Danke, Heiliger Vater.
Grazie, Santo Padre.
The XXII International Franciscus Congress, attended by nearly 600 participants, was held in Seville from Sunday, October 29, 2023, to Saturday, November 4, 2023. It was organized by the four Spanish entities that are part of Un-Foe-Prae and was conducted under the supervision of the Presidium of the International Federation.
The congress began on Sunday, October 29, with a visit to the city of Córdoba, including a tour of the renowned Mosque-Cathedral.
On Monday, October 30, participants engaged in an extensive tour of Seville, exploring its major tourist attractions.
The official opening ceremony of the congress took place on Tuesday, October 31, at the FIBES Congress Palace, with the attendance of various authorities. Greetings were also delivered via videoconference, making it one of the most moving moments of the event. The ceremony was presided over by Albert Català, President of Un-Foe-Prae, alongside Maria Antonia Martorell, President of FEB, and Antonio Arias, Executive Vice President of the congress. Simultaneous translation was provided in the four official languages of Un-Foe-Prae.
In the afternoon, a meeting of Un-Foe-Prae presidents was held, followed by the inauguration of the Nativity Market, featuring 45 stalls.
Over the next three days, participants were divided into three groups of 200 people each and took part in various excursions, including visits to:
. The International Museum of Nativity Scene Art in Mollina
. Exhibitions in Jerez and San Fernando
. Various museums in Seville
Additionally, several workshops were conducted by artists demonstrating their unique techniques in crib making and clay modeling.
On the final day of the congress, a roundtable discussion was held on the future of Nativity Scenes. In the afternoon, the general assembly of Un-Foe-Prae took place, during which five medals were awarded, and the ceremonial baton was handed over to Austria, which, along with three other countries, will jointly organize the XXIII International Congress in 2028.
Un. Fœ. Præ.
23rd Congress of the International Federation of Friends of the Crib
Lake Constance Region
October 18th – 22nd, 2028
‘FOUR COUNTRIES – ONE CRIB’
It is a great joy for us to announce that the most important global event, the International Crib Congress of Un. Fœ. Præ., under the title ‘FOUR COUNTRIES – ONE CRIB’, will be held in Austria in the Land of Vorarlberg from October 18th to 22nd, 2028.
The organisers of the four countries involved (Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany) are already working to welcome all Crib’s Friends from all over the world who wish to attend.
During the Congress official moments are planned, such as the International Assembly, conferences, musical events, and especially cribs, many cribs and some dedicated exhibitions in Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany, spiritual moments and much more. All this in the spirit of our friendship and common passion shared with people of different languages, countries and cultures. We look forward to seeing you!
International Nativity Scene Exhibition
“He was born for us. God’s gaze is in the eyes of Jesus.”
From November 30, 2024, to February 2, 2025
at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle.
Free admission
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (continuous)
Special Event:
Wednesday, December 17, at 8:00 PM
Concert featuring the Vatican Gendarmerie Band and the Maltese Band, accompanied by the choir of the Papal Basilica of San Paolo Fuori Le Mura.
As part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, the International Federation of Friends of the Crib “Un. Fœ. Præ.”, in collaboration with the Maltese Crib Association Ghaqda Hbieb Tal-Presepju of Gozo – Malta and the Maltese Embassy to the Holy See, is proud to present an international Nativity scene exhibition in the magnificent Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle, located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This basilica is also the General Headquarters of the Theatine Order of Clerics Regular.
The exhibition showcases Nativity scenes from 17 countries, representing 21 national associations worldwide, including A.I.A.P. (the Italian Association of Friends of the Crib).
Walking through the basilica, visitors will encounter 40 Nativity scenes, exploring various styles and materials. Highlights include:
Pier Luigi Bombelli, Vice President of Un. Fœ. Præ., explains:
“The primary goal of Un. Fœ. Præ. is to spread awareness of the Nativity scene and introduce it to an ever-growing audience. Our Federation values diversity, respecting differences in social status, gender, or age. We aim to connect people through diverse experiences, offering human and cultural enrichment. In today’s fast-paced world, marked by the tragedy of wars, there is no greater symbol of harmony and peace than the Nativity. Together with all the National Associations, the Federation hopes that this period of grace, offered by the Church through the Jubilee, will be a moment for reflection on the true meaning of life and the path we are all invited to take to build a future of peace in a challenging world. Our wish is also our prayer.”
The History of the Crib by Pier Luigi Bombelli Vice President UnFoePrae
Dear Presidents and Associates
The President together with all Praesidium members would like to wish you all and your loved ones a Blessed Easter.
Il Presidente e tutti i membri del Praesidium desiderano augurare a tutti voi e ai vostri cari una buona Pasqua.
El Presidente, junto con todos los miembros del Praesidium, desea a todos ustedes y a sus seres queridos una Feliz Pascua.
Der Präsident und alle Mitglieder des Präsidiums wünschen Ihnen und Ihren Angehörigen ein gesegnetes Osterfest.
Regards to All
Albert Catala – President
Carmen Camilleri – Secretary
