I Bambinelli Vengono a Filadelfia

Many of you who know the cycle of the seasons in Rome are aware of one of the city's more charming rituals -- the late-Advent blessing of the Bambinelli, the little figures of the newborn Jesus which are placed in the Christmas creches of homes. The Popes have traditionally blessed the figures brought by attendees at the Sunday Angelus immediately preceding December 25, and now our favorite local Rome alum is bringing the custom home.

On December 18, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia will bless the Bambinelli, not from The Window at which he so often assisted Paul VI, but in his own Cathedral.

This should be oh so sweet to witness.

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