The Presentation of the Lord

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple and the Purification of Mary, which was required by Mosaic Law 40 days after birth.  As a child, Jesus is brought to the Temple, the very house of God in Jerusalem, to fulfill the law that every firstborn child be consecrated to the Lord.  This was followed up with a sacrifice offered in the Temple. 

 It is at this time that Christ, the light who comes into our world and dispels the darkness, comes into his Father’s house for the first time.  He is the light that shines out to bring hope and gladness to those who wait.  As such, during this celebration on February 2nd, the Church formally blesses all the candles that will be used throughout the liturgical year.  The mass of blessing of candles, Candlemas, is celebrated at this time with the priest beginning mass at the back of the Church with the formal blessing of candles followed up with the Antiphon celebrating Christ the light as a revelation to all the nations of the world.

 It is after Candlemas when the priest or acolyte uses the blessed candles to impart the blessing of Throats.  Traditionally this is done on the feast of St. Blaise, February 3rd; however, the pastor may decide to bless throats at a time when the Faithful gather in large numbers.  Two candles are crossed over the throat while the prayer of blessing is said.  The priest follows up by making the sign of the cross over the recipient, while the acolyte only says the words and makes no action.  May the Lord keep you and bless you all this week!

In Christ,

 Fr. Luke Fleck