For the past several decades, the Pope has blessed the Baby Jesus figurines from Nativity Scenes that belong to families, and the families themselves, in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. The blessing takes place on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, and is known as Bambinelli Sunday. The blessing of the ‘Bambinelli’ – as they are known in Rome – reminds us that the Nativity scene is a school of life where we can learn the secrets of true joy.

All parishioners are invited to bring your Baby Jesus figurines from your homes to Mass THIS WEEKEND, Dec. 11/12, to be blessed as we too celebrate our own Bambinelli Sunday. After the blessing you are encouraged to take your ‘Bambinelli’ home and place it in a gift box, wrap the box and save it for Christmas. Let this be the first gift you open on Christmas day and as you lay Jesus in the Manger, allow this moment to be a reminder of the great blessings we receive at Christmas.