The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) - February 2

February 2 - The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)

Forty days after Christmas, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this day we remember how Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, in keeping with Jewish custom, to dedicate Him to God. While there, the holy elder Simeon recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and proclaimed Him to be “a light for revelation to the nations.”

This beautiful moment reveals Jesus as the Light of the World, and it is from this theme of light that the feast gained its popular name: Candlemas. For centuries, February 2nd was also considered the “final echo” of Christmas. Some cultures even kept their crèche up until this feast because it shows Christ still as a child, being welcomed into God’s house.

Another long-standing tradition of Candlemas is the blessing of candles. Lighted candles remind us that Christ scatters the darkness and guides His people as they journey through life. At Mass on February 2nd, we will bless all the candles that will be used throughout the liturgical year for the altar, for the sacraments, and for prayer.

This feast encourages us to do what Simeon did: to recognize the presence of Jesus in our midst and to carry His light into the world. As we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord, may His light dwell in our homes, our parish, and our hearts.