The Blessing of the Bambinelli 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.

This year we will celebrate Bambinelli Sunday at Epiphany at all masses the weekend of Dec. 17th. All children and families are invited to bring the Baby Jesus figure from their homes to be blessed.