If the central point of the _Quem quaeritis_ is the _sepulchrum_, that of the _Pastores_ is the _praesepe_. In either case the drama, properly so called, is an addition, and by no means an invariable one, to the symbolical ceremony. The _Pastores_ may, in fact, be described, although the term does not occur in the documents, as a _Visitatio praesepis_. The history of the _praesepe_ can be more definitely stated than that of the _sepulchrum_. It is by no means extinct. The Christmas ‘crib’ or _crèche_, a more or less realistic representation of the Nativity, with a Christ-child in the manger, a Joseph and Mary, and very often an ox and an ass, is a common feature in all Catholic countries at Christmas time[160]. At Rome, in particular, the _esposizione del santo bambino_ takes place with great ceremony[161]. A tradition ascribes the first _presepio_ known in Italy to St. Francis, who is said to have invented it at Greccio in 1223[162]. But this is a mistake. The custom is many centuries older than St. Francis. Its Roman home is the church of S. Maria Maggiore or _Ad Praesepe_, otherwise called the ‘_basilica_ of Liberius.’ Here there was in the eighth century a permanent _praesepe_[163], probably built in imitation of one which had long existed at Bethlehem, and to which an allusion is traced in the writings of Origen[164]. The _praesepe_ of S. Maria Maggiore was in the right aisle. When the Sistine chapel was built in 1585-90 it was moved to the crypt, where it may now be seen. This church became an important station for the Papal services at Christmas. The Pope celebrated Mass here on the vigil, and remained until he had also celebrated the first Mass on Christmas morning. The bread was broken on the manger itself, which served as an altar. At S. Maria Maggiore, moreover, is an important relic, in some boards from the _culla_ or cradle of Christ, which are exposed on the _presepio_ during Christmas[165]. The _presepio_ of S. Maria Maggiore became demonstrably the model for other similar chapels in Rome[166], and doubtless for the more temporary structures throughout Italy and western Europe in general.