On leaving Rome in 1223, St. Francis of Assisi made for the Rieti Valley and back to the hermitage of Fonte Columbo, where he had written his rule. It was here that he had an idea which was to stain the memories and the imaginations of everyone with the mystery of the Incarnation. As Christmas drew near, he approached John Vellita, who owned land in the vicinity of Greccio, and asked him for…
