Archives for February 1, 2025

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is an ancient celebration in the Church. It is also called Candlemas because, on this day, candles are blessed. These candles remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. The feast is celebrated on February 2, forty days after Christmas. It recalls the day when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to God.

Many of these candles will be used throughout the liturgical year (at Mass, for baptisms, and for devotional use), as well as sanctuary candles used to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the tabernacle.

This event is rooted in Jewish tradition. According to the Law of Moses, every firstborn son belonged to God. Jewish parents were to bring their son to the Temple and offer a small sacrifice in thanksgiving. By bringing Jesus to the Temple, Mary and Joseph followed God’s law faithfully. This act shows their humility and obedience to God.

Because February 2, 2025 falls on a Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to celebrate this special feast at all of this weekend’s liturgies.

And…because this weekend precedes the Feast of St. Blaise, the blessing of throats (with more candles) will be offered. This custom commemorates a miracle attributed to St. Blaise and is offered to invoke God’s healing power for all the Faithful.

May the Light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts and throughout the world!

In Christ Our Light,

Fr. Gurnick