Sunday, February 2, 2014

February 2: Candlemas or the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord


History


In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 2:22-40), we hear about Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother presenting Jesus at the temple 40 days after His birth, Simeon’s wonderful blessing and Anna’s thanksgiving. That’s why today – 40 days after Christmas – is celebrated as a feast day. Since this feast day is also the traditional day to bring your candles for the year to church to be blessed, it’s also called Candlemas. We don’t need candles for light the way people did before electric lights were invented, so the blessing of candles isn’t often done any more. Instead, many parishes have a candlelit procession instead.

Activity

The traditional Candlemas meal in Europe is pancakes or crepes. So set some candles on your dinner table and make your favorite pancakes for dinner. Or try this foolproof crepe recipe that doesn't require any special equipment. 

Holy Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Anna the Prophetess, pray for us!

More reading for parents:


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