“Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
John 8:12

February 2 • Mass 8:00 am & 12:00 pm

We celebrate this day in remembrance of when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord. “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord.” (Lk 2:22-23). This day reminds us to focus on Jesus’ consecration to God as Messiah, Priest, Lord, and Savior, and to honor Jesus as the Light who came into this world to dispel sin and darkness.

Please bring your candles from home to be blessed. These will be blessed along with candles that will be used for Liturgies throughout the year.

.


Contact: Cheryl Magner • 858-271-7250 ccmagner@gmail.com


Candlemas Day

“This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. Candlemas is a tradition that commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, forty days after the birth of her son Jesus. On this day, Christians remember the presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple. Forty days after the birth of a Jewish boy, it was the custom to take him to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to God by his thankful parents.

In pre-Christian times, this day was known as the ‘Feast of Lights’ and celebrated the increased strength of the life-giving sun as winter gave way to spring.

How did the 2nd February come to be called Candlemas?
It was the day of the year when all the candles, that were used in the church during the coming year, were brought into church and a blessing was said over them – so it was the Festival Day (or ‘mass’) of the Candles.

Candles were important in those days not only because there was no electric lights. Some people thought candles gave protection against plague and illness and famine. For Christians, they were (and still are) a reminder of something even more important. Before Jesus came to earth, it was as if everyone was ‘in the dark’. People often felt lost and lonely. Afraid. As if they were on their own, with no one to help them. Then came Jesus with his message that he is with his followers always ready to help and comfort them. As if he is a guiding light to them in the darkness. Christians often talk of Jesus as ‘the light of the World’ – and candles are lit during church services to remind Christians of this.”

Mandy Barrow
Woodlands Junior School
United Kingdom