Candlemas Day

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is also known as Candlemas Day, celebrates, through the blessing and lighting of candles, that Christ is the light of the world.

The day, which is celebrated February 2, commemorates the occasion, 40 days after the birth of Jesus, when the Blessed Mother, in accordance with Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem to be purified and to present her firstborn son to God.

Present in the temple, according to the Gospel of Luke, are Simeon and Anna. Simeon has been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died and instantly recognized the infant Jesus as the promised savior. Simeon took the child in his arms, saying

“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.”

Anna, described as a prophetess, also instantly recongized Jesus as the fufillment of the promise of redemption.

On this day, it is traditional to bring candles to church to have them blessed. Those candles then may be lit throughout the year in times of joy or sadness as a reminder of God's abiding presence and love. 

Parish Celebrations

Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow

A Mass in celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord will be held on Monday, February 2, at 6 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street in Winslow. Bring candles of all kinds from home to be blessed. Please label them with your name and place them at the foot of the altar before the Mass.

Parish of the Holy Savior, Mexico

St. Athanasius & St. John Church, 126 Maine Avenue, Rumford - Parishioners are invited to bring their candles to the 6 p.m. Mass on February 2 to have them blessed.