Greccio the Song, a sacred musical inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi and the first Nativity at Greccio

Greccio: The Song

A sacred musical inspired by the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and the first Nativity at Greccio.

Saturday, 5 December 2026

Matinee: 2:00 PM

Evening Performance: 7:30 PM

Venue: Allan Gibbs Centre, Wellington College, 15 Dufferin StreetMount Victoria, Wellington.

Step into the story of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose longing to contemplate the humility and wonder of Christ’s birth led to the first living Nativity at Greccio in 1223. Greccio: The Song is a community faith-and-arts production bringing together live music, choir, drama, movement, and sacred storytelling in a celebration of faith, family, peace, and renewal. At the heart of the musical is Francis’ desire to make the mystery of Christmas visible and tangible: “We wish to see the Child as He was in Bethlehem.” — St Francis of Assisi.

Through music and dramatic scenes, the production follows Francis’ journey of conversion, simplicity, service, and love of Christ, culminating in the Christmas night at Greccio. The musical features music by Douglas Mews, Dr Robert Loretz, and Franciscan friars from the Philippines, with Artistic/Creative Direction by Dave Cecilio and Musical Direction by Cesar Capistrano.

Presented by Vineyard House — A Cultural Ministry of the Centre for Marriage and Family, Greccio: The Song is also part of a special year of commemoration, marking the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226–2026) and recognising 60 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the Philippines.

About the production

Greccio: The Song has been created as a community faith and arts initiative, bringing together volunteer actors, musicians, singers, dancers and supporters from across Wellington. It is an invitation to encounter Christmas through the eyes of Saint Francis — not simply as a familiar story, but as a living mystery of humility, joy, peace and love.

Come and let your hearts be renewed.

Presented by: Vineyard House, A Cultural Ministry of the Centre for Marriage and Family

Website: www.marriageandfamily.org.nz⁠

Enquiries: vineyardhouse.nz@gmail.com