Centre for Roman Oratories
“As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me”. Mt 25:40
Press Release
ON 22 DECEMBER IN SAINT PETER’S SQUARE, RETURN OF THE BLESSING OF THE BAMBINELLI
Close to Christmas and the solemn opening of the Jubilee, on Sunday 22 December the traditional Blessing of the Bambinelli returns, this year on the last Sunday of Advent in Saint Peter’s Square. The appointment for oratories, youth groups, parishes and families of Rome represents a long-standing tradition, ever since 1969 when for the first time Pope Paul VI, on 21 December, imparted a solemn blessing to the statuettes brought by children. The theme of the event this year will be “A Heart of Light”. The infant Jesus, about to be born in the homes, communities and hearts of believers, represents the light that shines and takes away fears and sufferings, offering a sure embrace to the heart of every person.
To every participating oratory, engaged during these weeks in the animation activities typical of Advent, involving children, animators, teenagers and families, the Centre for Roman Oratories has proposed a contest to represent artistically the theme chosen for the 2024 edition. The canvases realized in the oratories will be displayed in Saint Peter’s Square during the morning, and the winners will be awarded on the occasion of the Feast of Recognition this coming 28 December at Don Bosco, another Christmas event for the oratories of Rome for a celebration of thanksgiving at the end of the year. From the earliest hours of the morning of Sunday 22 December, Saint Peter’s Square will welcome groups of children, teenagers and catechists from the Roman parishes for a moment of encounter and animation, led by the Centre for Roman Oratories. The oratories will all participate together in the solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Altar of the Confessio, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, and subsequently all the groups will proceed to the square to participate in the recitation of the Angelus with Pope Francis and to receive the blessing of the statuettes of the Bambinello in an atmosphere of celebration and true joy.
The Blessing of the Bambinelli is promoted and organized by the Centre for Roman Oratories, an association of the faithful founded by the Venerable Arnaldo Canepa for the dissemination and promotion of oratorian pastoral work in Rome. This tradition has spread a great deal in recent years in Italy and abroad (United States, Philippines, England, Ireland, South America and many others) involving hundreds of communities and dioceses where Bishops and priests have chosen to dedicate a Sunday in Advent to the appointment with the statuettes of the Infant Jesus and to welcoming families, animators and religious of the local Church. “This year the anticipation has multiplied, the invitation is to be even more vigilant and ready to welcome a ‘special’ Christmas”, emphasizes COR President Stefano Pichierri. “In fact, we will arrive in Saint Peter's Square just a few hours before the opening of the first Holy Door and the solemn beginning of the Jubilee on the last Sunday of Advent. May the pure affection and enthusiasm of the children lead everyone to the wonder of the Incarnation and to hope in the Jubilee proclamation that will accompany us throughout the New Year. The children and catechists of the Oratories of Rome will gather, along the path started in recent years in the territories, to celebrate and celebrate together the fruits of a renewed pastoral enthusiasm. We are certain that, as every year, Pope Francis will rejoice in the closeness and sincere prayers of our children and young animators”.
Rome, 12 December 2024
COR – Press Office ufficiostampa@centrooratoriromani.org Tel. 06.69886406
ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE
Journalists and media operators who wish to participate in the Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square must apply, no later than 24 hours before the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at: press.vatican.va/accreditamenti
