Christopher Longhurst

Christopher Longhurst received his doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Angelicum University, Rome in February 2009.  He was a member of the faculty at the Marymount International School in Rome starting in 2004, and currently he conducts educational tours of the Papal Galleries at the Vatican Museums in Rome.

Articles by Christopher Longhurst

A Roman Christmas Ritual: Micro-Architecture and the Theatre of the Presepio

The celebration of Christmas in Rome has its own unique flavor, combining sumptuous liturgical celebrations and festive religious and cultural traditions.  One of the most renowned traditions during this joyful time is the construction of the presepio.  The Italian word “presepio” comes from the Latin “praesaepe,” a combination of “prae” (in front of) and “saepire” (to enclose), which is rendered in English as “manger,” or “stall.” The Christmas ritual of constructing a presepio is a tradition that has been passed down for generations, possessing an important place in symbolic Christmas representation and devotional practice.  At Christmastime these displays attract visitors to the city of Rome from all over the world. They are usually artistic masterpieces, spectacular, dramatic, and adorned with delightful figurines and stunning landscapes.