February 2 – Presentation of the Lord
Year of Origin: 4th century
This feast commemorates Our Lord’s presentation in the temple following His birth. The diary of a 4th century woman named Etheria revealed the early Church’s original celebration of the Presentation on February 15, which was 40 days after the Epiphany. In the Western Church, the observance spread throughout the 5th and 6th centuries and was moved to February 2, which was 40 days after Christmas.
In the early 8th century, Pope Sergius began the tradition of a candlelight procession. By the end of the century, the tradition of blessing and distribution of candles became widespread, thus giving this feast its alternate name of Candlemass.
Scripture tells us that in order to fulfill the requirements of the Old Testament law, the Holy Family traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem shortly after Christ’s birth:
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. (Lk 2:22-24)
There they encountered the prophetess, Anna, and the righteous man, Simeon, who both immediately recognized Jesus as the Savior.
Simeon “took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
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.” - Luke 2:28-32
This “Canticle of Simeon” is prayed every evening during the Office of Compline.
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us.