With the beginning of February, we have some very meaningful practices in our Catholic calendar. On Sunday, February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we think of Jesus, the Light of the world, being brought into the Temple by Mary and Joseph. The Vatican document Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year describes the feast this way: “In obedience to the Old Law, the Lord Jesus, the first-born, was presented in the Temple by his Blessed Mother and his foster father. This is another ‘epiphany’ celebration insofar as the Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna the prophetess. Christ is the Light of the nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day.”
We will endeavor to bless candles at the beginning of all Masses on February 2. They are helpful to have at home to remind us of Jesus, as the “light of the world – a light that darkness cannot overcome.” Please bring candles from home that you wish to have blessed and they will be included as we bless the candles that will be used on the Altar.
February 2 is also the World Day for Consecrated Life. It is a special day to pray for the religious women and men who serve the Church and all God’s people by their dedicated life of poverty, chastity and obedience.
– Fr. Galvon
