Candle Mass? The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - February 2

February 2 Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas

This feast is a celebration of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord, as well as the Purification of Mary (which was required by the Mosaic Law 40 days after the birth of a child). It is considered a Christmas feast, even though it is beyond the Christmas season because it is the last celebration on the liturgical calendar of Christ as an infant.

It is sometimes called "Candlemas" (Candle Mass) because it has been the day candles are blessed in the Church since the 7th century; lit candles symbolize Christ, the true Light who came into the world for all, and we celebrate the Light entering the Temple at last! The readings include the aged Simeon's words: "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."

The celebration of this great feast begins with a procession and blessing of candles, with some that can be taken back to bring Christ's light to our homes. You can also bring your own prayer candles to be blessed at the same time.

It is only at the Easter Vigil that candles again feature prominently in the liturgy.

Blessed candles are a sacramental - an object of faith like statues, medals, and crucifixes, which help us remain near Christ and ask for grace throughout our day. We use them because Faith is not just a weekend or church event, but a light that should shine on every aspect of our lives!

Traditionally, these candles blessed at Candlemas can be used at prayer time, during storms, during troubled times, and during times of illness.

Candles are a beautiful way to signal to the family that it is time to pray. This is not just to create a "mood". The flame reminds us of the Light of Christ within our homes. Like the fire of love and hope in our hearts, the steady flame of a blessed candle is like a constant prayer being lifted up to God.

What are some new ways you can use blessed candles in your home?

Remember that blessed objects should not be thrown in the garbage, even if they are mostly used up or damaged in some way. They must be disposed of properly and reverently. Because they are blessed, they should be buried, or they can be burned and the ashes buried.

Candles have been used at prayer since ancient times. Lighting a candle can help us pray with greater attention and reverence. It is also a way to extend our prayers (the flame is like a continued prayer while we attend to our other duties).

Prayer for Lighting a Blessed Candle at Home -

Jesus, You said, "I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life" (Jn 8:12). Let this candle remind us of You, our true Light, Who leads us just as the pillar of fire led the Israelites through the desert.

Let this candle call to our minds the Easter candle, our own baptismal candles which were lit from it, and the Sanctuary lamp before Your living Presence in the tabernacle. Let us see in it a symbol of our lives being offered in service to You.

We ask You for the grace to be filled with Your radiance, and to bring light to every darkened place. Amen.

On February 3, we celebrate St. Blaise, Patron against maladies of the throat. The traditional blessing of throats (with newly blessed candles!) often takes place on that day or after Masses the following weekend. Check with your parish!