Blessing of the Bambinelli
Third Sunday of Advent | December 12 & 13, 2026
Join us at St. Aloysius for a beautiful Advent tradition, the Blessing of the Bambinelli!
Originating in Rome, this special tradition invites families to bring the baby Jesus figurine (Bambinelli in Italian) from their home Nativity scene to Mass for a special blessing.
Celebrated on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday or the Sunday of Joy, this blessing reminds us of the true reason for the season and helps prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of Christ.
Bring your baby Jesus figurine to any weekend Mass to receive a special blessing before placing Him in your family's manger on Christmas Day!
The History of the Blessing of the Bambinelli
The Blessing of the Bambinelli is a beloved Catholic Advent tradition that originated in Rome. The word Bambinelli is Italian for “little babies,” referring to the baby Jesus figurines placed in family Nativity scenes.
Each year on the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday or the Sunday of Joy, families gather with their baby Jesus figurines to receive a special blessing. This beautiful tradition reminds us that Christmas is not simply about preparing our homes, but about preparing our hearts to welcome Christ.
The tradition began in 1969 when Pope St. Paul VI blessed baby Jesus figurines brought by children to St. Peter's Squareduring his Sunday Angelus. Over the years, the tradition continued under successive popes and spread to parishes around the world.
Today, families are invited to bring the baby Jesus from their home Nativity scene to church for a special blessing, then return Him to the manger on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
It's a simple but meaningful way to connect our celebrations at home with the joy of Christ's birth and remind our children that Jesus is the greatest gift of Christmas.