A Manhattan priest recently provided what might be the most significant Christmas gift of the year to a New York City museum: a remarkable collection of Nativity scenes accumulated over his lifetime from various parts of the globe.
Father Luis Sculti, at 80 years old, experienced a “bittersweet” feeling when he donated over 100 wooden figures, along with handmade angels and antique wise men, to the Italian American Museum situated in Lower Manhattan.
“I was happy to find them and to know that they would be shared beyond the Scurti family,” he shared. He noted that the museum draws many visitors each year, including children, highlighting the educational opportunities it provides, particularly around the Italian-American Christmas tradition.
Scurti reflected that timing is essential in life, suggesting a deeper reason behind his decision to donate now.
His passion for “Persipica,” the Italian art of creating nativity scenes, started during his childhood in Jersey City, New Jersey. He recalled setting aside his toys to play with his family’s own nativity scene every Christmas, a tradition encouraged by his relatives.
While other kids spent their holiday cash on treats, Scurti chose to purchase additional pieces for his collection, opting for sheep and even a bridge. “My brother drew comic books. I drew Persipica,” he said, adding that his parents supported his hobby wholeheartedly.
Over time, he shifted from teaching to pursuing a calling in ministry as a marriage and family therapist, eventually living in semi-retirement at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Little Italy.
As an adult, traveling became another of Scurti’s passions. He always made it a point to gather new pieces from each country, particularly from places like Rome and the Middle East, where the nativity story originated.
His collection is a mix of classic and unusual items, featuring not just traditional figures, but also quirky additions like dogs dressed in costumes and even a greyhound presenting gifts to the infant Jesus.
One of his most prized possessions is a tall column he bought for $500 in Rome, which stands out in the eclectic collection. Friends often brought him nativity pieces as souvenirs, which he proudly displayed alongside his grandparents’ items from their marriage in the 1940s.
As Christmas 2024 approached, his extensive collection—now more than 100 pieces—became increasingly challenging to set up each year. “Each year it took more work to set it up. It became a burden,” he confessed.
After moving to Little Italy, Scurti discovered the new location of the Italian American Museum on Mulberry Street and offered his entire collection to the director, Joseph V. Celsa, save for a few small items he couldn’t bear to part with.
“The rest is history. The Holy Spirit is running the whole show. I’m just an actor,” he mused. He added that part of the collection included precious heirlooms and high-value items, suggesting that it could be appraised to determine its true worth.
For Celsa, the essence of Scurti’s donation lies in what these nativity scenes symbolize: a connection to the Italian-American heritage. “Almost every Italian-American home has a Persipica on display. It’s a reminder of family and roots,” he shared, noting the exhibit had struck a chord with many visitors in the past two weeks.
This collection marks the first original Persipica in the museum’s new home after previously being displayed during the holidays last year.
Celsa emphasized that the diverse nature of Scurti’s collection is what makes it special. “I love this piece because it’s so indicative of what we are as an Italian-American community. We incorporate every element into this piece, and it features many different parts,” he remarked.
He concluded by contrasting Scurti’s collection with more conventional nativity displays, asserting that this one represents a more authentic human experience, where every individual, no matter their appearance or background, is embraced under God’s watchful eye.
