The Blessing of the Bambinelli

December 19th at 10:00 AM Mass

Pope John Paul II began the tradition of Bambinelli Sunday during his papacy to remind families about the joyous event of Baby Jesus’ arrival in the manger. Bambinelli Sunday is celebrated on the Third or Fourth Sunday of Advent. On that day children gather with their families in St. Peter’s Square and bring figures of the Christ Child from their family’s Nativity scene.

All parishioners – especially children – are encouraged to bring the Bambinelli – the baby Jesus from their Nativity sets – to the 10:00am Mass at St. Francis for a special blessing by our priests. This Advent tradition is a way for families to connect their Nativity at home to the celebration of Christmas at St. Francis.