Candlemas

February 2. Feast of the purification of the Virgin Mary and Christ's presentation in the Temple (Luke 2: 22-38). Candles carried in procession to symbolize Christ, 'a light for revelation…

February 2. FeastFeast Special liturgical celebration to commemorate an event or saint. of the purification of the Virgin MaryVirgin Mary Mother of Jesus and wife of Saint Joseph. She is believed to have conceived Jesus through the agency of the Holy Spirit alone, thus remaining a virgin. The Council of Ephesus (431) confirmed upon her the title of theotokos, 'godbearer'The account of Mary's life in the New Testament was amplified by apocryphal documents and doctrines concerning her person and role developed in succeeding centuries. Justin Martyr (d.c.165) contrasted Mary's obedience with the disobedience of Eve, but the assertion that Mary, like her son, had been immaculately conceived (i.e. free from original sin) was disputed throughout the Middle Ages. The Book of James (mid-2nd century) named her parents as Joachim and Anna and asserted her perpetual virginity. The belief that she did not die but was taken up bodily into heaven was celebrated in the Feast of the Assumption. Faith in Mary's powers as intercessor on behalf of sinful men and women was given fresh impetus by St Bernard (1090-1153) and she was popularly regarded as the Queen of Heaven.See also Joys and Sorrows of Mary. Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Purification (February 2); Annunciation (March 25); Assumption (August 15); Nativity (September 8); Conception (December 8). and Christ’s presentation in the Temple (Luke 2: 22-38). Candles carried in procession to symbolize Christ, ‘a light for revelationRevelation 1. The idea that God reveals himself to humankind in various ways, including through Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Creation.2. The Book of Revelation, also called Apocalypse. The final book of the Bible which records the Apocalyptic visions of St John on the island of Patmos. to the Gentiles’ (Luke 2: 32).