February 2 - Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

When the days were completed for their purification
 according to the law of Moses,
 Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
 to present him to the Lord,
 just as it is written in the law of the Lord" 
- Luke 2:22

On February 2 the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in the day's liturgy.

According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is referred to as the "Purification of Mary." This is known as a "Christmas feast" since it points back to the Solemnity of Christmas. Many Catholics practice the tradition of keeping out the Nativity creche or other Christmas decorations until this feast.

Behold, this child is destined
 for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
 and to be a sign that will be contradicted
 Band you yourself a sword will pierce
 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Today as we recognize Jesus as the light of the world let us continue to show His light to others!

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