Connections

February 2nd has many interconnected commemorations associated with it. It is the last feast dated from Christmas in the liturgical calendar. 40 days after the birth of the Child, Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to the Temple as required by Mosaic Law to be consecrated to the Lord. The account in Saint Luke’s Gospel highlights the prophetic encounter of Simeon and Anna with the Infant Jesus. For this reason, ancient texts refer to this day as the feast of the “holy encounter.” After Simeon and Anna meet the child Jesus, they proclaim His mission in salvation history.

Secondly, up until the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council, February 2nd was known as the Feast of the Purification of Mary. Again, this is a recounting of Mary fulfilling the obligation of the Mosaic Law. However, since Mary was never in need of purification by giving birth to the Divine Child, this aspect of the day is no longer the liturgical emphasis of the day.

The third name for February 2nd is Candlemas Day – the day that candles are blessed for use at the Altar and also in the home. An apt use of the feast as the days continue to bring more “light to the nations” as daylight hours increase.

Finally, Saint John Paul II wanted the day to be designated as Day For Consecrated Life. It is a day when we recall that the Church's gift of religious vocations is given for the salvation of the world. Just as the Infant, Jesus, was consecrated to the Lord, each religious priest, sister and brother is called to live a consecrated life. Many religious communities of women and men renew their vows on this day, and we are called to pray for an increase in religious vocations.

All of these traditions make this day unique in the liturgical year. And as our weather can take its toll on us. The Feast of the Presentation gives us rays of hope that new life is coming in the celebration of Easter – the Great High Feast of our year.