
A Day of Light: Candlemas Celebrates the Light of the World
In an often-dreary February, the feast of the Presentation brings illumination.
In an often-dreary February, the feast of the Presentation brings illumination.
COMMENTARY: May we follow Mary’s ‘sweet example’ in adoring the Child until Feb. 2.
Candlemas is still observed with public, Christmas-esque celebrations throughout the world, including in Peru, Puerto Rico, France, and Belgium.
Pope Francis offered Mass on Feb. 2 on the World Day for Consecrated Life, which has been celebrated each year on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord for the past 25 years.
For the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Pope Francis reflected on the day’s Gospel passage, which speaks of Joseph and Mary bringing the child Jesus to be consecrated in the temple.
Forty days after his birth, Christ was presented at the Temple. Why?
For many centuries, we have a triple celebration on one day, Feb. 2. It once marked the official close of the Christmas season.
Just as Jesus gradually reveals God to us, so the Christmas feasts that culminate in the Presentation also point to offertory.
In London on Feb. 2, 1601, a group of recusant Catholics (who refused to attend Church of England services) gathered in a rooming house to commit a crime: celebrate and attend Holy Mass.
COMMENTARY: This is the first of a five-part series.
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