HISTORY

Forty days after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought the Child to the great Temple in Jerusalem. There they presented Jesus to the Heavenly Father. That was the Jewish law. The Holy Family obeyed it with loving hearts.

While they were in the Temple, Mary also fulfilled another requirement of the law. After the birth of their children, all Jewish mothers were supposed to go to the Temple for the ceremony called the Purification. Mary did her duty cheerfully. She teaches us to be humble and obedient as she was.

A holy old priest of the Temple named Simeon learned from God that the Infant Jesus was truly the Savior. With what joy he held Mary's Son in his arms. "My own eyes are looking at my salvation," he exclaimed. God let him recognize Jesus as the Savior and Simeon put his trust in the little Child. Imagine what Mary and Joseph were thinking. Then, inspired by God, Simeon told Mary that she would have to suffer very much. He was talking about the terrible pain our Blessed Mother would feel when Jesus died on the cross.

This feast of the Presentation reminds us that we belong to God first of all. Because he is our Father and Creator, we owe him our loving obedience.

 

We, too, can imitate Mary and Joseph by asking the Holy Family to help us live responsibly every day of our lives.

On the day following this feast, the calendar permits the option of commemorating St. Blase, a bishop and martyr of the early church. Legend has it that he once freed a child from choking, and while imprisoned under persecution he received light from friends who visited his cell with candles.

It is also a celebration of light since today marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox.

TRADITIONS

Over the world many different traditions can be observed on Candlemass day.

In twentieth century Puerto Rico, the festivity was known as "Dia de la candelaria (day of Our Lady of Fire)". Bonfires were lit at sunset throughout the country.

In some European countries, February 2nd is celebrated with sweet pancakes.

But in general, one custom remains the same over the world which is the blessing of lighted candles during the Mass. The candles can come from your parish, or you may bring your own from home. If you like to use blessed candles for household prayer throughout the year, here is your chance to get them.

Many churches used to bless all the candles to be used during the year on this day.