Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is celebrated on February 2nd in many Christian denominations. This significant feast commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, as well as the purification of the Virgin Mary after childbirth, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke.

The name “Candlemas” derives from the tradition of blessing and distributing candles on this day, symbolizing the light of Christ entering the world. In some cultures, Candlemas marks the end of the Christmas season, and the liturgical color for the day is white or gold, signifying joy and purity.

The biblical account of the Presentation in Luke’s Gospel tells of Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, where they encountered Simeon and Anna, who recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Simeon’s words, known as the Nunc Dimittis, express his joy at beholding the Savior and serve as a reminder of the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Candlemas holds various meanings and traditions across different Christian denominations. In the Catholic Church, it is a day of purification, light, and hope, emphasizing the role of Jesus as the light of the world.

On this day’s Mass, the candles that are to be used for the next liturgical year are blessed, hence the common name for the day ‘Candlemas’.

In some parishes, each member of the congregation gets to keep a blessed candle for use in their home.

• Traditionally this candle was used to light the way of the priest from the font door of the home to the sick bed, when he was bringing Holy Communion to the ill and dying. Many still like to keep to this practice and it is not uncommon to be met at the door of the house with a lit candle when arriving with the Blessed Sacrament.
• Others light their candles in times of strife as an act of prayer– the polish community light their candles in heavy storms and pray for good weather to return.

Saint Blaise (February 3)

Two of the candles, which are blessed on this day, are then used the following day, February 3^rd, the day of Saint Blaise. St Blaise cured a child of choking on a fishbone and, as such, he has become the patron saint of illnesses of the throat. The blessing of throats, by invoking the intercession of St Blaise, is carried out on this day by placing the two candles across the throats of the faithful.

Nunc Dimitis

The Nunc Dimittis, also known as the Canticle of Simeon or the Song of Simeon, is a hymn of praise found in the Gospel of Luke (2:29-32). It is named after the Latin opening words of Simeon’s speech, “Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine,” which translates to “Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace.”

The Nunc Dimittis is significant because it represents Simeon’s recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and his joy at having seen the Savior. The hymn also includes elements of prophecy and thanksgiving.

In the story told in Luke, Simeon, a devout and righteous man, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple for the purification ritual, Simeon recognized him as the Savior and took him into his arms, singing the Nunc Dimittis.

In the Catholic tradition, the Nunc Dimittis holds a significant place in liturgical practice and devotion. It is often recited or sung during the Liturgy of the Hours, particularly during Night Prayer or Compline, the final prayer of the day.