The baby-blessing on September 23rd is the last in a series of blessings being offered in the Cathedral Square on Wednesdays in September from 11 am to 3pm. Passers-by on Wednesday September 16th will be offered a massage, on Wednesday the 9th there was a chance for some life-coaching and on the first Wednesday in September priests from the Cathedral offered anointing with oil and prayers for healing.

Babies will be blessed by one of the Cathedral clergy and a hand or footprint will be taken of the baby and given to the parents with a verse from the Bible as a reminder of the moment.

Organisers say the response to the blessings so far has been overwhelmingly positive with scores each day accepting the chance for encouragement and support.

Canon for Development, the Revd Yvonne Richmond, said: "Hundreds of people pass through this square every day but many do not realise it is connected with Birmingham Cathedral. We want people to not only enjoy the green spaces while they eat their sandwiches but to find here rest for their spirit and food for their soul."