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MyPrayerTower
Catholic LifeFebruary 1, 2025

The Presentation: What is Candlemas? (Feb 2 Prep)

40 days after Christmas, we bless the candles. The ancient feast that marks the official end of the Christmas season.

M
MyPrayerTower Team
5 min read Spiritual Study

February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (and the Purification of Mary). It is traditionally called Candlemas.

The Story (Luke 2)

Mary and Joseph bring baby Jesus to the Temple (40 days after birth). They meet Simeon, an old man who was promised he wouldn't die until he saw the Messiah. He takes Jesus in his arms and sings the Nunc Dimittis: "Lord, now you let your servant go in peace... for my eyes have seen your salvation... a LIGHT for revelation to the Gentiles."

The Candles

Because Simeon called Jesus a "Light," we bless candles on this day. (It is also Groundhog Day... because if the sun shines on Candlemas, winter stays).


Let your light shine. Read the Nunc Dimittis on the MyPrayerTower app.

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
Pray