Every February 2nd the Universal Church celebrates the Feast of Candlemas or Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple, which commemorates the meeting of the Holy Family with Simeon and Anna; a meeting that symbolises the Lord’s embrace of his people.
The name ‘Candlemas’ comes from the expression of Simeon, who proclaimed Jesus “light of the nations”.
This day also commemorates the ritual purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary after she gave birth to the Saviour.
According to the ancient custom of the people of Israel, when a first-born child was born, it was to be brought to the Temple for presentation forty days after birth. This is what Mary and Joseph did with the child Jesus, in accordance with the Law of Moses. That is why the Church counts 40 days after Christmas Day (25 December) to celebrate the Presentation of the Lord (2 February). “Jesus’ parents brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, according to what was written in the law of the Lord” (Lk 2:22).
To find out more, we provide you with this link to the ACIPRENSA website by clicking here.
