On 2nd February we celebrate the Offering of Jesus to God and also the Purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of Our Lord Saviour.
This Feast is thus linked to Christmas. It is the Feast of Light.
The symbolism of the lighted candles – the Candlemas Procession – evokes the manifestation of Christ, Light of the World, when Simeon, enlightened by he Holy Spirit, proclaimed the infant Jesus to be sent b God as “a light which shall shine upon all nations and he glory of the people of Israel”.
The image of the Holy Virgin is present everywhere on this Feast, perhaps the earliest and most ancient of all Marian feasts.
“O Lord, Jesus Christ who has appeared among mankind, wearing human flesh and was presented at the Temple by Your parents where the righteous man Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognised You and was able to hold You in his arms and bless You. Allow that, enlightened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, we too are able to recognise You without mistake and love You without fail.” Prayer of the blessing of candles at Candlemas.