1. Mary, The Beloved!
2. Happy Presentation of Jesus!
Today the Church celebrates Jesus being presented in the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after His birth. We remember Mary’s purification under Jewish law and the meeting of Jesus with Anna and Simeon.
3. What is Candlemas?
The Presentation of the Lord is also known as Candlemas because, traditionally, candles were blessed on this day. Candles represent Christ as the “Light of the World,” and the blessing of candles is a way to acknowledge Christ as the source of light and salvation. Candlemas is also the traditional end of the Christmas Season so if you still have your tree and lights up just tell your neighbor you’ve been keeping the old calendar.
4. Having Candles Blessed
If your parish doesn’t already have the tradition, you can ask your priest about having candles blessed today. In this article from the archives, Melissa Guerrero explains the symbolism of the candles and how to use blessed Candles when life’s troubles arise including this prayer
5. Is Groundhog Day Catholic?
It’s the same day as Candlemas after all. It seems that there are a few traditions in Europe that the weather on this day, roughly halfway through Winter, indicates something about how the next few weeks of weather will be. Whether that tradition predates Christiainty in Europe or not, medieval Catholics celebrated both Candlemas and something not unlike Groundhog Day.
Thanks!
