We are going to be starting a new tradition here at Resurrection Parish, although it is not new. Let me explain.
In 1969, Pope Paul VI started the tradition of “Bambinelli Sunday.” Bambinelli is the Italian word for “figurine” and the Pope asked people, particularly children, to bring figurines of the Baby Jesus to St. Peter’s Square on the Third Sunday of Advent for a specially blessing. Pope Paul VI continued the practice for the remainder of his pontificate, and I think St. Pope John Paul II continued it for a few years, but then it kind of fell by the wayside.
In 2008, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI decided to renew the tradition at the Angelus Address on the Third Sunday of Advent. He reminded us that in front of the manger we are able to savour Christian joy as we contemplate the newborn Jesus, “the Face of God who made himself close to us out of love,” (Benedict XVI, “Angelus Address,” December 14, 2008). He encouraged boys and girls to bring in the figurine of the Baby Jesus that they would place in their Nativities in their homes on Christmas morning, and he gave them a special blessing.
To be honest, I had not heard of this tradition until our “Catholic Mom,” Barbara Szyszkiewicz, told me about it. I think it is a terrific idea so here is what we are going to do.
Next weekend, I invite all of you to bring to Mass the figurine of the Baby Jesus which you will put in your Nativity on Christmas. After the homily, we will hold up our Baby Jesus, and I will give them the same blessing that Pope Benedict gave back in 2008.
This nicely fits in with our “Living Nativity” which our Religious Education children will be presenting next Sunday, December 16, at 3 PM at the Holy Name campus. In addition to the Holy Family, Shepherds, Wise Men, and Angels, we will have real, live sheep, goats, and at least one llama. I know that the children are very excited, and they and their teachers have been working hard to get everything ready. Please help us celebrate Bambinelli Sunday by coming to our Living Nativity next weekend.