The Stabiano stable nativity scene is inaugurated: the ancient shepherds of the cathedral all together in a single permanent installation

The inauguration of the Stabiano Permanent Nativity Scene will take place on December 18, 2019, the result of an ambitious project aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the shepherds collected during his existence by Monsignor Petagna, bishop of Stabia from 1850 to 1878. The first modest nucleus from the 700th century was gradually enriched, until it composed the current one, which despite the losses that occurred over the years, constitutes a unique example for the number and quality of the statues, worthy of being included in the artistic and cultural heritage of Castellammare di Stabia. The institution of the Stabiano Permanent Nativity Scene realizes the dream of those who, since the beginning of the last century, have contributed to defending Monsignor Petagna's collection of shepherds from the indirect damage caused by two world wars, to protect them from the inexorable passage of time, from the persistent work of woodworms, from poor or non-existent maintenance, from thefts and tampering. The eighty surviving pieces of the Nativity Scene, thanks to a long and delicate work of research and restoration, begun in 2000 under the supervision of the Superintendence for Artistic and Historical Heritage of Naples and the province and financed by enlightened entrepreneurs from Castellammare, will finally find the exhibition space it deserves and from 18 December it will be possible to admire it by visitors in a permanent installation, with scenography inspired by the Castellammare of the nineteenth century.
The inaugural evening, presided over by Monsignor Francesco Alfano, Archbishop of the Diocese, and the Parish Priest, Don Antonino D'Esposito, will be attended by the President of the Campania Region, Dr. Vincenzo De Luca, the Attorney General of Naples, Dr. Luigi Riello, the Army Corps General Rosario Castellano, the Mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, Eng. Gaetano Cimmino, and the civil, military and ecclesiastical authorities.
During the ceremony, artists from Castellammare di Stabia, Franco Cecere and Anna Spagnuolo, will perform.