Feast of the Presentation marked with Solemn Mass on February 2nd

While most people will be taking note of whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow next Tuesday, faithful Catholics will be marking the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas. Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale will celebrate a solemn Mass for the Feast of the Presentation. Next Tuesday, February 2nd, at 7:30 p.m., there will be a Mass in the Ordinary Form, (the modern Mass). The Mass prayers will be chanted in Latin. The readings and the blessing of the candles will be chanted in English. Those with candles used for devotional purposes are urged to bring them to be blessed.

This is an excellent opportunity to keep your family oriented towards Heaven by living the liturgical calendar. In addition, the Solemn Mass provides an opportunity to see the modern Mass as it was intended to be celebrated with full reverence and beauty.

The Feast of the Presentation is forty days after Christmas. It marks the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. In accordance with Mosaic law, Mary brought her first-born son to the Temple. Mary presented Jesus to Simeon the Just and Anna the prophetess. Here Simeon made his proclamation:

"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 sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."  (Luke 2: 29-35)

Because this feast marks the first time the Light (Christ) comes into the House of God, the Feast of the Presentation has become a time to bless candles. Before Mass, the priest blesses all of the liturgical and devotional candles that will be used during the coming year. Those in attendance are invited to bring the devotional candles they use in their home to be blessed. The Mass begins with a procession of lighted candles.

Interestingly, the custom of predicting the weather on February 2nd was a part of the lore of Candlemas for centuries. An old English rhyme sang:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,?

Come winter, have another flight;

?If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,

?Go winter, and come not again.

How this religious connection was lost and replaced by the winter habits of a rodent is a bit fuzzy.