Candlemas Sunday

In keeping with Mosaic Law, Mary presented Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem forty days after his delivery—the custom after the birth of a man-child. She was then purified by the prayer of Simeon, and witnessed by the prophetess Anna. This was the first solemn introduction of Christ into the house of God. Historically this solemn event was termed Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. It also has been entitled Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Around the eleventh century, the blessing of candles was introduced. The celebrant blesses the candles by sprinkling and incensing them and distributes them to the clergy and laity. He then processes among the church community while the antiphons are sung. This solemn procession represents the entry of Christ, who is the Light of the World, in the Temple of Jerusalem. This liturgical celebration occurs on February 2.

In commemoration of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, you are invited to bring a white candle to Mass on the weekend of February 1-2 to be blessed. This candle can then be lit and used to celebrate other liturgical events of the Church, such as Easter.