Bambinelli Sunday was celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace on 17 December. At the end of the 12 noon Mass, children gathered before the altar with their Bambinelli. A short prayer was said and then the Bambinelli were blessed with holy water.

Bambinelli Sunday is a beautiful custom instituted by St John Paul II during his Papacy. On the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday), children and their families travel to St. Peter’s Square and bring with them figures of baby Jesus – the Bambinelli – from their family Crib. After the Angelus the Pope blesses both the children and the figurines.

Blessing of Bambinelli

God our Father, you loved us so much you sent us your only Son, Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, to save us and lead us back to you.
We pray that, with your blessing, these images of Jesus might be a sign of your presence and love in our homes.
Good Father, give your blessing to all who gather with us this Christmas, family and friends.
Open our hearts, that we might receive Jesus in joy, always do what he asks of us and see him in those who need our love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son, who came to give peace to the world. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Pope Benedict, 2008