Blessing of Bambinelli

BLESSING OF THE BAMBINELLI Parishioners of our EM Catholic Community are invited to bring your figurine of the infant Jesus on Gaudete Sunday. During each Mass parishioners will hold up their infant Jesus for a blessing and then place Jesus in the manger scene at home. The Blessing of the Bambinelli (baby Jesus) was first instituted by St. John Paul II. On the Third Sunday of Advent, the children of Rome are encouraged to bring the baby Jesus (Bambinelli) from each of their nativity sets to St. Peter’s Square. Following the Sunday Angelus address, the Pope blesses the figurines. Now celebrated in many churches around the world, this Advent tradition is a way for children to connect their nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at their church. But this tradition is for all ages!