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| "Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple" (detail) by Il Sodoma at the Oratory of San Bernardino Sienna, Italy |
History
There are three different documents that tell
about how when Saint Mary was a little girl, she was taken to the temple by her
parents to be educated about godly things. This was to fulfill a promise that
Mary’s mother, Anna, had made when she and Joachim were still childless. This
feast gives us a chance to celebrate the gift of holiness that God gave to
Mary. She willingly offered her own body to serve as a temple for God
Incarnate (Jesus).
Activity
Pope Benedict XVI declared this feast day to be
Pro Orantibus Day, or “For Those Who Pray” Day. Today, the whole church is
encouraged to pray for cloistered religious brothers and sisters, who live
apart from the rest of us so that they can spend their days constantly in
prayer. These brothers and sisters are incredibly important to the Church, so
while you enjoy a favorite dinner today, be sure to pray for them.
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