Gaudete Sunday & Bambinelli Sunday

The third Sunday of Advent is also called ‘Gaudete Sunday’. ‘Gaudete’ means ‘Rejoice’ in Latin. We rejoice because during the Advent season,
as our hearts are in the middle of this longing, waiting and penitential period; Our Saviour who we are expecting is fast approaching.
As today’s Reading said: “The Lord is at hand”. Therefore, the third candle we light up this weekend, as well as the Priest’s and Deacon’s
vestments change from purple to rose colour, to reflect the rejoicing spirit in our hearts.
Today is Bambinelli Sunday too. It is a tradition initiated by Pope St John Paul II. On this day in Rome, many people bring in their Baby Jesus
figures (Bambinelli) to St Peter’s Square to be blessed by the Pope. In our Parish, you are all invited to bring your Baby Jesus figures from
home or from your Nativity Crib to the Church this weekend to be blessed by the Priest during Mass, and take this Christmas
Blessing back to your home and family.


