This Sunday is Bambinelli Sunday and we will continue the tradition, of families bringing along the figurine of the Baby Jesus to be blessed at the Sunday Masses in both churches.

Bambinelli Sunday was a tradition started by St John Paul II. Bambinelli is the Italian word that means, “Little Baby Jesus”. Pope John Paul II invited all the Romans to come to St Peter’s Square with the Christ Jesus from their home crib, everyone held up their baby Jesus and he blessed them. The children especially enjoy this tradition, which both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have continued.

After mass we invite you to take home your baby Jesus, wrapped and place under the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning the ‘Bambinello’ is to be unwrapped and placed in the crib, connecting the Nativity set at home, and the Church where we worship each week.