The beautiful Advent Tradition, Bambinelli Sunday, was instituted by Saint Pope John Paul II
during his Papacy. The tradition follows that on Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday, the Third Sunday
of Advent, children (and adults) bring their Baby Jesus figures from the crib at their homes to
St. Peter’s Square where the Pope will bless both the people and the figurines during the
Angelus.
We will celebrate “BAMBINELLI SUNDAY” AT ALL MASSES ON DECEMBER 14TH/15TH,
Gaudete Sunday – Third Sunday of Advent. You are invited to bring the Baby Jesus figure
from your home to Mass that weekend to be blessed.
Families can even make their own “bambinelli” if they want.
A suggestion: Following the blessing, take your “bambinelli” home and place it in a gift box,
wrap it, and save it for Christmas morning. Let this be the first gift your family opens on
Christmas, when together you place your Baby Jesus figure in the crib, and have a home
blessing of the Nativity for your whole family.