The 1st creche was inaugurated by St. Francis of Assisi
in Grecio, 1220: "O, my brothers, I wanted to delight
your hearts by this great Mystery which should absorb
all the thoughts of our spirit, all the affections of our heart:
our God becoming man!" from Life of St. Francis
Letaille pl. 606
Frequently... when he wished to call Jesus Christ,
he would call him simply The Child of Bethlehem;
his voice was more like the bleating of a sheep,
his mouth filled more with sweet affection than with words.
