February 2, 2025
Dear Parish Family:
Originally known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, today’s Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is an ancient celebration. The Church in Jerusalem observed the feast as early as the beginning of the fourth century. The feast celebrates the presentation of Christ in the temple at Jerusalem on the 40th day after His birth.
According to Jewish law, the firstborn male child belonged to God, and the parents had to “buy him back” on the 40th day after his birth, by offering a sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24) in the temple (thus the “presentation” of the child).
As Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple to be presented, they encounter a man named Simeon. Simeon waited in the temple to see the Messiah day after day, year after year. He embraced the Baby Jesus and prayed these words: “Now dismiss your servant, O Lord, according to your word in peace; because my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples: a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).
Inspired by the reference to light in Simeon’s Canticle, the custom developed of blessing candles on the Feast of the Presentation. The candles were lit, and a procession took place through the darkened church while the Canticle of Simeon was sung. This feast became known as Candlemas Day. That’s why we will bless candles today that we use here in the church. We also bless candles available for prayer at home.
Today is also the Day of Prayer for Those in Consecrated Life. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests make vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and consecrate themselves to Christ. As Candlemas Day focuses on Christ who is the light of the world, so too, those in the consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. Today, at the 11:30 a.m. Mass, we will recognize in a special way the Sisters of Christian Charity from Holy Spirit Convent to thank them for the many beautiful ways they reflect the light of Christ. What a blessing they are to us here in Camp Hill! Let’s pray for an increase in vocations to the Consecrated Life.
Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan