Q: Fr. Turner, when is the appropriate time — during or after Mass — to bless the infant Jesus figurines?
Thank you.
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A: The Book of Blessings offers a couple of ways to approach this. The prayer at #1273 in the Order for the Blessing of an Image of Our Lord Jesus Christ envisions it outside Mass, but the blessing could serve as the conclusion to the universal prayer. Perhaps more to the point is the Order for the Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene within Mass, which also puts the prayer of blessing #1564 after the petitions.
Blessings of images may take place during or after Mass. I usually recommend during Mass to provide context for this prayer of the community.