Celebrating the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

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Every year on February 2, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. This feast commemorates the event described in the Gospel of Luke where Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to be presented to God, and the elderly prophet Simeon declared Jesus to be 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles.' Candles play a prominent role in Catholic liturgy and devotions, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world.

Why it matters

The Feast of the Presentation, or Candlemas, is an important annual celebration in the Catholic Church that highlights the symbolism of Christ as the 'light of the world.' Candles are blessed and used in various Catholic rituals and devotions, reminding the faithful of Jesus as the light that overcomes darkness.

The details

On the Feast of the Presentation, families traditionally bring candles to church to be blessed. These blessed candles are then used in the blessing of throats on the Feast of St. Blaise on February 3. The most important candle in Catholic liturgy is the Paschal candle, which is lit at the Easter Vigil and remains lit throughout the Easter season and at special celebrations. Churches also often have a perpetually burning candle near the tabernacle, symbolizing the presence of Christ, as well as racks of votive candles lit by the faithful for various intentions.

• The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated annually on February 2.
• The Feast of St. Blaise, when the blessed Candlemas candles are used in a special throat blessing ritual, is celebrated on February 3.

What they’re saying

What’s next

On the Feast of St. Blaise on February 3, the blessed Candlemas candles will be used in a special ritual to bless the throats of the faithful, invoking the intercession of the fourth-century bishop and martyr St. Blaise.