Presentation of the Lord

Each year on February 2nd, forty days after Christmas, Roman Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

The blessing of candles and a procession in keeping with the feast day will take place at the following Masses on Sunday, February 2, 2025:

• 9:30AM at Our Lady of Fatima
• 10:00AM at St. Titus
• 11:00AM at St Frances Cabrini
• 11:30AM at St. John the Baptist

The official observation of this day throughout the Universal Church did not begin until the 6th century, with Rome emphasizing the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.  Believers in the area now know as France focused on the idea of the ’light’ coming into the world, which led to a day when candles are blessed and carried in procession; hence, the calling of this day by some as Candlemas.

In previous centuries this festive day was referred to as the Purification of Mary, a name that relates to Mary, accompanied by Joseph, going to the temple 40 days after giving birth to her first-born Son to make an offering to God in accordance with Mosaic Law and to present Jesus in the temple.  Simeon, who had long prayed to see the Savior, as well as the prophetess Anna, both experienced God’s promise fulfilled in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.  It is from today’s Gospel reading that comes the Canticle of Simeon, a prayer offered during Complines, the ‘night prayer’ segment of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Perhaps before retiring on this special feast day, revisit today’s Gospel (Luke 2:22-40) then prayerfully listen to this musical meditation based on the words of Simeon.  

Canticle of Simeon