As we prepare for Christmas here at Saint Raymond’s, we have revived, reintroduced and revisited many special traditions. There was lighting of fresh outdoor tree on the Sunday of Advent while everyone listened to carols. We have started putting up decors to celebrate the season such as the advent wreath with the candles lit in succession for the next 4 weeks. Pretty soon, white and red poinsettias, ornamental trees and brilliant lights will adorn the church outdoor space where we now safely and reverently gather for our liturgies and services.

This weekend, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, other than lighting the rose candle to signal “joy”, we will have the Blessing of the Bambinelli. Saint John Paul II started this tradition where he encouraged children to bring their baby Jesus from their family’s nativity set to Saint Peter’s Square for a special papal blessing following the Sunday Angelus address. The children then place their baby Jesus figurine under the Christmas tree until Christmas morning (when he then rejoins the Nativity set). Pope Francis continues this tradition today.

Now celebrated in other churches around the world, this Advent tradition is a way for children to connect their nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at their church. Here at Saint Raymond’s, everyone is invited to bring the Baby Jesus figurines from your home nativity sets to the church for this special blessing.

A Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI (2008)

God, our Father
 you so loved humankind
 that 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,
 who is about to come among us,
 may be a sign of your presence and love in our homes.
 
Good Father,
 give your Blessing to us too,
 to our parents, to our families and
 to our friends.
 
 Open our hearts,
 so that we may be able to receive Jesus in joy,
 always do what he asks
 and see him in all those who are in need of our love.
 
We ask you this in the name of Jesus,
 your beloved Son who comes to give the world peace.
 He lives and reigns forever and ever.
 Amen.

Peace and blessings,
Father Erick