Baby Jesus Sunday & The Tradition of the Blessing of the Baby Jesus Figures

It is a beloved annual tradition in preparation for Christmas, the Blessing of the Baby Jesus 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 figures from each of their Nativity sets at home to St Peter’s Square. Following the Sunday Angelus address, the Pope blesses the figurines of those present and told them to assemble before the manger scene with their family in a spirit of prayer.
Now celebrated in other churches around the world, this Advent tradition is not only a way for children to connect their Nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at their church, but also one that sanctifies the home with the baby Jesus and makes his arrival in the manger scene an even more joyous event.





