As we prepare for Christmas in Carmel, we introduce a lovely Roman Advent tradition. The Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) has for many years been the day when the children of Rome bring the figurines of Baby Jesus from their family cribs to St. Peter’s Square to be blessed by the Pope during the Angelus. The day is affectionately known as “Bambinelli Sunday.” Instituted by Pope Saint John Paul II during his Papacy, the tradition has continued and has grown in popularity across the universal Church.

Children are invited to wrap the blessed figurines in Christmas wrapping when they return home, and to place them under the tree, to be opened as the first gift of Christmas; thus encourag ing young children to make the connection between the gifts they receive on Christmas Day and the greatest gift that any of us can receive, Jesus; and the connection between the Nativity set at home and the local Church where they worship each weekend.

BRING YOUR BABY JESUS FIGURINES TO ANY MASS ON DECEMBER 16th & 17th. During Mass, at the conclusion of the Petitions, the priest will ask you to hold your Baby Jesus up for a special blessing.