Celebrate Candlemas with us on February 2, right before the 6 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph.
A table will be set up for you to bring your candles for a blessing. This is also our First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart.
What is Candlemas?
Celebrated on February 2, Candlemas is a significant day in the liturgical calendar for Catholics. Also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple.
On this day, the church is filled with the light from the candles that symbolize the divine light of Christ and the warmth of His love.
The feast day celebrates Mary and Joseph’s presentation of Jesus in the Temple, 40 days after his birth, and the response from Anna, the prophetess, who was “of great age,” and Simeon of Jerusalem.
Scripture tells us Simeon took the child into his arms, proclaiming: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people, Israel.”
This feast helps us live out the light of Christ in our daily lives.
Christ is the Light!
Light plays an important role in this feast day. The candles used on this day signify that Jesus is the “Light of the world.”
Candlemas is also the midpoint between the darkest and the brightest days of winter. It reminds us that spring is coming soon.
The candles blessed on this day are a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. These blessed candles serve as a sign of Christ’s illuminating presence in our lives.
Candle Blessing Tradition
Many Catholics take these candles and burn them in their home. They are considered a sacramental.
Also, Candlemas coincides with the First Friday Devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus this time. These devotions are conducted on the first Friday of every month, offering the faithful a chance to partake in the Holy Communion, confession, and meditate on Christ’s passion.
In Case You Missed It
We have put together a liturgical calendar for you. This February calendar shows all the feast days this month that allow us to live this month as Catholics. There are so many saints we can ask for intercession.
