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Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Lectionary: 524

    Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger     to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple     the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.     Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming?     And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire,     or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver,     and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver     that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem     will please the LORD,     as in the days of old, as in years gone by.  

Responsorial Psalm

R.    (8) Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Lift up, O gates, your lintels;     reach up, you ancient portals,     that the king of glory may come in! R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Who is this king of glory?     The LORD, strong and mighty,     the LORD, mighty in battle. R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Lift up, O gates, your lintels;     reach up, you ancient portals,     that the king of glory may come in! R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord! Who is this king of glory?     The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory. R.    Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord!  

Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

R. Alleluia, alleluia. A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. R. Alleluia, alleluia.  

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord , and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.  He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

    “Now, Master, you may let your servant go          in peace, according to your word,     for my eyes have seen your salvation,         which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:     a light for revelation to the Gentiles,         and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted -and you yourself a sword will pierce- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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• PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

Description

February 2, 2023

We follow Christ Our Light

Greetings (See Second Reading) Jesus shared the same flesh and blood than we So that he could become completely Like his brothers and sisters And, compassionate and trustworthy, Atone for our human sins. May this Lord Jesus be always with you . R/ And with your spirit.

Introduction

Today we celebrate the Presentation of the Child and Lord Jesus in the Temple. Eastern Churches call this feast: “the encounter”. Jesus comes to the Temple to encounter his people in the persons of Simeon and Anna, who stand for the Old Testament or Covenant. They recognize Jesus as the long-expected hope of Israel. He is to lead God’s people into the New Testament or Covenant and from now on all are invited to follow the Lord Jesus. We recognize today Jesus as the light of our life, and with lighted candles in our hands we are following him: we become lights of Christ our Light.

Blessings of candles Let us pray that the Lord may kindle in our hearts the fire to follow Jesus our light             (pause) God our Father, you are the true light. When you speak, darkness gives way to light, The world reflects your brightness, We can live in the light of your love. As we carry these lighted candles into the Church Make our faces and heart radiate with your glory. With your Son, make is children of the light, Keep us from the darkness of sin; Lead us to your everlasting light Through him who is our way, our truth, and life, And the light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.

Procession Let us go in peace to meet the Lord. Mass In the Mass with the blessing of candles, there is no penitential act after the entrance song; the Mass continues with the Gloria and the Opening Prayer. In other Masses of the day without blessing of candles, the following penitential act could be used:

Penitential Act We have at times followed other “lights” than Christ, the true Light. We ask now the Lord to forgive us (pause) Lord Jesus, let your light guide us on the road to the Father: Lord have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy. Jesus Christ, shine on us the light of your truth and wisdom of the Spirit: Christ, have mercy. R/ Christ have mercy. Lord Jesus, let the light of your mercy gather all nations in your love: Lord, have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy. Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us our sins. May we walk in the light of Christ into everlasting light . R/ Amen.

Prayer Let us pray that with Jesus our light we may set resolutely in the road of renewal.             (Pause) Our God and Father, It is hard for us to say farewell To all that looks familiar and safe: our settled ways, our self-complacency, our certainties, our practices. We offer our self with Jesus our Lord and ask for the strength to follow his light. Help us to accept with him the insecurity of true renewal and to bring to all around us the light and warmth of your Son. Let this be the sacrifice we offer you today with Jesus, and Mary his Mother. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.

Reading 1: Mal 3:1-4 Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Responsorial Psalm: PS 24:7, 8, 9, 10 R. (8) Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! Who is this king of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! Who is this king of glory? The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory. R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

Reading 2: Heb 2:14-18 Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Alleluia: Lk 2:32 R . Alleluia, alleluia. A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. R . Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Lk 2:22-40 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted Band you yourself a sword will pierced so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Or LK 2:22-32 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

Intercessions: Let us pray to our Lord Jesus, who is the saving light of all nations and the glory of his people, and let us say:

R/ Lord, let your light shine on us. • For the Church, that it may show the world the true face of Christ and be the sign that in him all are to be saved, let us pray:

 R/ Lord, let your light shine on us. • For the pope, and for all in the Church who render a service of authority, that they may have the courage to speak out and act in the name of truth and justice, and that they bear witness to the love of Christ, let us pray:

  R/ Lord, let your light shine on us. • For all fathers and mothers, that they may inspire their children by their own way of living, to follow the light of Christ, let us pray:

R/ Lord, let your light shine on us. • For all Christians, that the Spirit of the Lord may guide them to be true to their conscience, let us pray:

R/ Lord, let your light shine on us. • For the poor, the sick, and the discouraged, that they may still keep their eyes turned to the light of Christ and that they may discover it particularly in dedicated Christians, let us pray :

R/ Lord, let your light shine on us. • For all of us in this community, that we may be at least a pale reflection of the light of Christ, let us pray:

R/ Lord, let your light shine on us. Lord Jesus Christ, without you we walk in the dark. Let your light shine brightly in us, that we may become in our limited way your light to the world, for you are our light shining bright now and for ever. R/ Amen.

Prayer over the Gifts Lord our God, you ask of us to accept with faith your word spoken by your messengers and above all by your living Word, Jesus Christ. Make us truly recognize and welcome the humble coming of your Son in these simple signs of bread and wine. Let his word and that of his prophets take root in us and change us into a community in which prevail the love, the justice and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer Let us offer the prayer of Jesus to our Father in heaven . R/ Our Father…

Deliver us Deliver us, Lord, from the darkness of sin and let the light of your love and peace shine on us, your people. Purify your Church, that it may bear witness to the light of the gospel in a world torn with wars and strife. Let your kindly light lead us forward in hope and joy, as we work for the full coming among us of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. R/ Amen.

Invitation to Communion This is our Lord Jesus Christ who is the light that come into the world to enlighten all people. Happy re we to share in his offering and to receive him as the bread of life. R/ Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion Our God and Father, You spoke your mighty Word to the world and there was light. You have spoken your Word Jesus Christ among us and there is light in our minds and hearts. Do not allow us to keep this light of Jesus hidden under the shade of our mediocrity, but let it shine in our words and deeds, that it may brighten the footsteps of all people in search of the truth. We ask this on account of him, who is the light and the guiding star of our lives, Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.

Blessing Lead, kindly light! Let Christ lead us all on the bright path of goodness and love, that we may reach our destiny and reflect the Lord’s light on the people around us. May Almighty God bless us for this task, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. R/ Amen. Go in peace and take the light of Christ with you to let it shine on all. R/ Thanks be to God.

Reflection:

2 February 2023 -  Feast of the Presentation 

Day of Consecrated Life 

Luke 2:22-40

 Invitation to raise the Lord in our arms  

They met in the temple, Mary and Joseph, Anna, Simeon, and Jesus. How did they get there? What brought them to that place of meeting? 

What brings us to the temple, the place where God resides? Mary and Joseph were following the law of Moses prescribed for parents; and the Spirit guided Simeon to witness the coming of the Messiah to his Temple. Anna represents the widowed Israel – awaiting her Master. She had never left the temple. 

The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus is also a feast of the meeting of the long-awaited Messiah with his faithful people in the temple. Jesus’ presentation in the temple is not a matter of one individual or one family; instead, it is an act of the community represented by Simeon and Anna. 

Today the Church celebrates the 27 t h World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, honouring and praying for the lives of all men and women who have heroically consecrated their lives to the Lord, for the love of God and in service to God’s people. 

Every believer is consecrated to the Lord, and toda y, we recall our consecration to the Lord at the time of our baptism. Being consecrated, we are set apart to do the work of God, never alone but with our brothers and sisters. 

Let us look at consecrated life as an encounter with Christ: it is he who comes to us, led by Mary and Joseph, and we go towards him guided by the Holy Spirit. He is at the centre. He draws us to the Temple, to the Church, where we can meet him, recognize him, welcome him, and embrace him.  

The feast of the Presentation invites us to reflect on the meeting between the young and the old: Mary and Joseph, with their infant son, meet the old Simeon and Anna. It’s good for the elderly to communicate their wisdom to the young, and it’s good for the young people to gather this wealth of experience and wisdom and to carry it forward, addressing the challenges that life brings. 

Forty days have passed since Christmas, and it may be that the Star of Bethlehem that “we have seen in its rising” is disappearing in the sky. Maybe, we’ve let ourselves be enchanted by other more fascinating and fashionable stars, stars that better reflect our dreams and our expectations. The Church brings us the opportunity to meet that Child again: she invites us to welcome him in our arms, as did Simeon and Anna, the poor of Israel, the people attentive to the voice of the Spirit.

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Catholic Prayer: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Blessing of Candles and Propers of the Mass for the Feast of the Presentation, Ordinary Form

Prayer categories (1), linked prayers (1).

• Blessing of Candles and the Propers of Mass for February 2, Extraordinary Form
• Presentation of the Lord " href="/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?id=33"> Presentation of the Lord

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• Ordinary Time

Description:

This feast was originally celebrated in the Eastern Churches as "The Meeting" or "Encountering" ( Hypapante ), in the Church mankind meets the Lord. By the sixth century it began to be celebrated in the West, where the focus became the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was accompanied by solemn blessings and processions with candles; hence, it is popularly called "Candlemas." By the offerings of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph and the prophecy of St. Simeon, the life of Christ here begins to point toward his Resurrection. The following is the The blessing of candles, procession and Mass propers for Candlemas or the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Third Roman Missal.

Prayer after Communion By these holy gifts which we have received, O Lord, bring your grace to perfection within us, and, as you fulfilled Simeon's expectation That he would not see death until he had been privileged to welcome the Christ, so may we, going forth to meet the Lord, obtain the gift of eternal life. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

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Truth, Goodness, and Beauty

The Presentation of the Lord

• February 2, 2023

Dr. Marc Tinsley

Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill the Law of Moses which required that the first-born male child be offered to God as a way of giving thanks for sparing the Israelites during the Passover in Egypt.

It was at the Presentation at the Temple that the baby Jesus was recognized as the long-awaited savior by two prophets, Simeon and Anna.

At the same time of the presentation, which took place forty days after the birth of the child, the mother of the child would be purified when the sacrifice of a lamb was offered.

The Blessed Virgin Mary did not require purification but observed the law as Jesus would later. Instead of a lamb, she offers a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, which reveals her family’s poverty.

Forty days after Christmas, on February 2, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Lord. It is also known as Candlemas or formerly as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary.

Candles that are used during Mass, while administering the sacraments, and in other liturgical celebrations are blessed at this time. Candles represent Christ who is the Light of the World.

Saint John Paul II instituted a special day of prayer, World Day for Consecrated Life, and attached it to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This is to honor those consecrated men and women who reflect the light of Jesus upon the world through his Church.

Catholics meditate on the events of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple as the 4th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

The true lamb of God enters the temple:

Ready to greet the Jesus when He comes:

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him, he took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Luke 2: 22-32

Commemorating the Presentation at the Temple of Jerusalem:

Mary and Joseph were obedient to the Jewish Law:

Presenting the Lord in a place of sacrifice:

Anticipating salvation and sorrow:

The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. With Simeon and Anna, all Israel awaits its encounter with the Savior-the name given to this event in the Byzantine tradition. Jesus is recognized as the long-expected Messiah, the “light to the nations” and the “glory of Israel”, but also “a sign that is spoken against”. The sword of sorrow predicted for Mary announces Christ’s perfect and unique oblation on the cross that will impart the salvation God had “prepared in the presence of all peoples”. Catechism of the Catholic Church 529

A great theme of light:

Candles are an important part of the Christian faith:

In the temple of Jerusalem, according to the Gospel account, Simeon, an elderly man of God, takes Jesus in his arms and recognizes that in him salvation has come for Israel and for all peoples:  the   Light of the Gentiles . The words of the holy old man express the longing that pervades human history. They express that  waiting for God , that universal desire, unconscious perhaps, but ineffaceable, that he would come to meet us so that we might be able to share in his life. Simeon embodies the image of humanity striving to grasp that ray of light which renews all things, the seed of life that transforms all old age into everlasting youth. Pope John Paul II, Angelus Address, 2 February 1997

Mary did not need purification:

A day of special prayer for men and women in consecrated life:

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The Presentation of the Lord (Feast)

February 2, 2023.

• Presentation of the Lord

Daily Readings:

Malachi 3:1-4 1 "Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? "For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the LORD. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

Psalms 24:7-10 7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! [Selah]

Hebrews 2:14-18 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. 16 For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Luke 2:22-40 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30 for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31 which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel." 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan'u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Luke 2:22-32 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30 for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31 which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel."

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The Feast of the Presentation

According to the Church’s liturgical calendar, the feast held on Feb. 2 each year is in honor of the Presentation of the Lord. Some Catholics recall this day as the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary because such was the feast day named until the 1969 changes in the Church’s calendar.

In fact, according to Luke’s Gospel, the presentation of Jesus and the purification of the Blessed Mother took place in the Temple on the same day, and both are remembered during Mass on Feb. 2. Also, in several countries, Candlemas is simultaneously celebrated on this day and involves a candlelight procession that was popularized in the Middle Ages. Until the Second Vatican Council the feasts on Feb. 2 ended the Christmas season. Today, the season ends in January on the feast of the Baptism of our Lord.

As early as the fourth century Christians commemorated the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, but, at the time, there was no feast name attached. In seventh-century Rome, the Church named the celebration the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother Mary, and it remained that way for nearly 1,300 years. In the reforms after Vatican II, the feast was given a stronger focus on Jesus (by stressing the Presentation of Jesus), but clearly the events of purification and presentation that took place when Jesus was 40 days old (see Lk 2:22-39) are tied together and thus commemorated together.

Purification and Presentation

Under Mosaic law found in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus, a Jewish woman who gave birth to a child was considered unclean (see 12:1-8). The mother of a newborn could not routinely go out into public and had to avoid all things sacred, including the Temple. If her child was a male, this exclusion lasted for 40 days. If the child was female, the period lasted 80 days. This was a ceremonial seclusion and not the result of sin or some kind of wrongdoing on the part of the mother.

At the end of the 40 or 80 days the woman presented herself at the Temple to be purified. If the baby was her firstborn male child, the infant was brought along to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord. The law in Exodus specifies that the first male child belongs to God (see 13:2-16). This law is a tribute to God for His sparing the firstborn Israelite males during the time of the Exodus from Egypt. The firstborn Egyptian male children, of course, were not spared.

The mother’s purification ritual obliged her to bring, or purchase at the Temple, a lamb and a turtledove as sacrificial offerings. The lamb was offered in thanksgiving to God for the successful birth of the child; the turtledove was a sin offering. Families that could not afford a lamb could bring two pigeons or two turtledoves. After these animals were sacrificed, the Temple priest prayed over the woman and she could once again resume her normal role or status.

Mary, the ever spotless Mother of God, certainly did not have to comply with this ritual, but did so to honor God and observe all the rules handed down by Moses. She was the holiest of all women, but she still submitted to the humbling requirements of the law. She remained at home for 40 days, denied herself all association with sacred things and on the day required walked the five miles from Bethlehem to the Temple in Jerusalem. Arriving at the Temple, Mary likely stood in line and waited her turn to see the priest.

Nunc Dimittis

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus, Mary and Joseph go to the Temple offering two turtledoves for Mary’s purification. Along with Mary’s willing submission, Jesus is presented into the hands of the priest and thus to God. In accordance with the Old Testament, the child was blessed and then bought or ransomed back by the family who would pay five shekels into the Temple treasury. The Savior of the world is ransomed in the manner of every other Hebrew boy. “When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord’”(Lk 2:22-24; see Nm 18:15-16).

The Gospel of Luke explains that the old prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna were at the Temple that day (see 2:22-38). They, like many others, had spent their lifetime waiting, longing for a Messiah, and the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Savior. Among all the children and mothers coming into the Temple, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Christ Child; he held Jesus and exclaimed this hymn of thanksgiving, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (2:29-32). The hymn has traditionally been termed the Nunc Dimittis , from the Latin, “ Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace .”

Like Mary, Jesus the Divine Son of God did not have to undergo these rituals, but His parents willingly complied in order to pay tribute to Jewish laws, to avoid any possible scandal and in so doing demonstrated profound humility. They acquiesced to the law like all poor Jewish families.

The Holy Family must have experienced great joy, even wonder at all that had happened to them. Consider the events of the previous weeks. First, the shepherds miraculously arrived to adore and praise Jesus on the night He was born. And now, Simeon, another stranger, singles out Jesus as the Savior, not only of Israel but of the world. Someday all the other children being presented will know Jesus as their Savior. But here in the Temple there is also pain. The old prophet, moved by the Holy Spirit, tells Mary that she will experience unspeakable grief because of the outrageous way the world would judge and treat her Son. But Mary remained always committed to God’s will and to her Son.

Feb. 2 is on the liturgical calendar as the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, but in addition to the presentation, the Mass recalls Mary’s humble submission to the purification ritual.

D.D. Emmons writes from O’Fallon, Ill.  

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• Saint of the Day

Presentation of the Lord

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Saint of the day for february 2.

The Story of the Presentation of the Lord

At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there. Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany, the observance of Christ’s birth, and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.” Contact with anyone who had brushed against mystery—birth or death—excluded a person from Jewish worship. This feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple more than Mary’s purification.

The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. Because the Church in the West celebrated Jesus’ birth on December 25, the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas.

At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas.

In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of Saint Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day’s end.

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The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

"A Light of Revelation to the Gentiles"

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Known originally as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a relatively ancient celebration. The Church at Jerusalem observed the feast as early as the first half of the fourth century, and likely earlier. The feast celebrates the presentation of Christ in the temple at Jerusalem on the 40th day after His birth.

Quick Facts

• Date:  February 2
• Type of Feast:  Feast
• Readings:  Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 ( full text here )
• Prayers:   Nunc  Dimities , the Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32); see below
• Other Names for the Feast:  Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, the Meeting of the Lord, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

History of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

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). On that same day, the mother would be ritually purified (thus the "purification").

Saint Mary and Saint Joseph kept this law, even though, since Saint Mary remained a virgin after the birth of Christ, she would not have had to go through ritual purification. In his gospel, Luke recounts the story ( Luke 2:22-39 ).

When Christ was presented in the temple, "there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel" ( Luke 2:25 ) When Saint Mary and Saint Joseph brought Christ to the temple, Simeon embraced the Child and prayed the Canticle of Simeon:

Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel ( Luke 2:29-32 ).

The Original Date of the Presentation

Originally, the feast was celebrated on February 14, the 40th day after Epiphany (January 6), because Christmas wasn't yet celebrated as its own feast, and so the Nativity, Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany), and the feast celebrating Christ's first miracle at the wedding in Cana were all celebrated on the same day. By the last quarter of the fourth century, however, the Church at Rome had begun to celebrate the Nativity on December 25, so the Feast of the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days later.

Why Candlemas?

Inspired by the words of the Canticle of Simeon ("a light to the revelation of the Gentiles"), by the 11th century, the custom had developed in the West of blessing candles on the Feast of the Presentation. The candles were then lit, and a procession took place through the darkened church while the Canticle of Simeon was sung. Because of this, the feast also became known as Candlemas. While the procession and blessing of the candles is not often performed in the United States today, Candlemas is still an important feast in many European countries.

Candlemas and Groundhog Day

This emphasis on light, as well as the timing of the feast, falling as it does in the last weeks of winter, led to another, secular holiday celebrated in the United States on the same date: Groundhog Day. You can learn more about the connection between the religious holiday and the secular one in Why Did the Groundhog See His Shadow?

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Daily Word Of God

Luke 2:22-24,39-40

When the day came for them to be purified in keeping with the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what is written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And as the child grew to maturity, he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

• Both Simeon and Anna, being very devout and close to God, were touched by the Holy Spirit to recognize Jesus as the Christ of the Lord.  Are we deeply in touch with the Holy Spirit’s promptings in our daily living?
• In today’s Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, where He was “offered to God,” it is good to ask ourselves whether we have lived a life that is dedicated to God. How often have we ‘offered’ our time and make sacrifices to the Lord?
• As the child Jesus is ‘offered’ to God, He will eventually offer His life on the Cross through His death. Are we willing to accept the pains and trials of our lives and ‘offer’ them to God for the good and salvation of others?

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Prayer Petitions For February 2, 2023 – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

February 2, 2023 The Best Catholic Daily Prayer Petitions

Today our Savior was presented in the temple. Let us adore him as we say: Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Christ Jesus, you are the light that enlightens all nations, — shine upon those who do not know you, that they may come to believe in you, the one true God. Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

You are the redeemer and the glory of your people Israel, — may your Church proclaim your salvation to the ends of the earth. Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Jesus, desire of the nations, Simeon, the just man, rejoiced at your coming, — lead all men to recognize that you still come to them. Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Lord, when you were presented in the temple, Simeon foretold that a sword of sorrow would pierce your mother’s heart, — strengthen us to accept the sufferings we endure for the sake of your name. Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Christ Jesus, joy of all the saints, Simeon longed to see you before he died, and his prayer was answered, — hear our plea for all the dead who still yearn to see you face to face. Lord, may our eyes see your saving power.

Source: DivineOffice.org

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Sunday Connection

The presentation of the lord.

God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. The Sunday Connection provides useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

• Readings & Background

First Reading Malachi 3:1–4 The Lord you seek will come to the temple. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24:7,8,9,10 The Lord is the king of glory. Second Reading Hebrews 2:14–18 Jesus became like us in order to save us. Gospel Reading Luke 2:22–40 (Shorter Form: Luke 2:22–32) Simeon recognizes the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Background on the Gospel Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. The Presentation, which is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, is not mentioned in the other Gospels. Only Luke tells the story, most likely because he writes for Gentile Christians who are not familiar with the Jewish rite of presentation and purification. In addition, the intent of Luke’s Gospel is to show that God’s promise to Israel, fulfilled in Jesus, extends to Gentiles.

Luke recognizes Joseph and Mary as faithful Jews who bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Here they present their firstborn son to the Lord. Jesus is thus consecrated as required by the Law of Moses. Present in the temple at this time are Simeon and Anna. Both are awaiting the restoration of God’s rule in Israel.

Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see Christ the Lord, the Messiah, before he died. The holy man immediately recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Savior, a “light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Anna also recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise of redemption and spoke about him to all.

Gospel Reading Luke 2:22–40 (Shorter Form: Luke 2:22–32) Simeon recognizes the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3) Children at this age like to receive gifts. Simeon and Anna and the people of Israel waited hopefully for the greatest gift of all—a Savior. We too must prove ourselves faithful followers of Jesus by being “gifts” to all we meet. Materials Needed

• Presentation written on a sign or chalkboard
• Symbols of Baptism, such as holy water, candle, oil, white garment, and/or baptismal certificate

Preparation for the Scripture Readings

• Say: In the Gospel Reading for the Presentation of the Lord, we hear about Jesus’ Presentation. Does anyone recognize inside this long word a shorter word that would help us understand the reading? (present) Surely we know what a present is. Raise your hand if you’ve ever received a present. What’s another word we use to describe a present? (a gift) That’s right. Jesus is the greatest, the greatest gift we have ever received.
• Explain: The Gospel for this feast day is long so we are going to read only part of it. Listen carefully and then we’ll talk about it afterward. Read aloud Luke 2:22–32, omitting verse 23 if desired.
• Say: Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be presented to God. Your mother and father also brought you to church to be presented to God. Look at the items in the front of the room. What are they a sign of? (Baptism) That’s right. Your parents presented you to God in church just as Jesus’ parents presented him to God in the Temple. Baptism is the first sacrament we receive.
• Continue: When Mary and Joseph arrived with baby Jesus, a holy man named Simeon was in the Temple. He was waiting for someone who would save him and all the people of Israel. He was waiting for a savior. Who is our Savior? (Jesus) Simeon knew the minute he saw the baby Jesus that he was the one he was waiting for—a Savior for all people. Simeon recognized the birth of Jesus as a great gift.
• Say: We recognize, just as Simeon did, that Jesus is the greatest gift ever given. All of us who are followers of Jesus are also asked to be “gifts” to others by caring for them. What are some ways we can show we care? (Accept all reasonable answers.)
• Conclude by praying the Glory Be to the Father with the children.

Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6) At this age, children are familiar with their parents or other adults introducing them to people they have not met before. Explain that Jesus, too, was “introduced” by Mary and Joseph to God. Materials Needed

• Collection basket of “play” money
• Say: This Gospel is probably not familiar to most of us. It is read on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is celebrated yearly on February 2.
• Ask: What do you understand by the word presentation? (Accept all reasonable responses.) A presentation can be the introduction of a new product or a new idea or a new person. Let’s listen to this Sunday’s Gospel. Think about which definition applies.
• Read aloud Luke 2:22–32, omitting verse 23 if desired.
• Continue: In today’s reading, who or what is being presented? (Jesus) Who is presenting him? (Mary and Joseph) What was the name of the man in the temple? (Simeon) Whom did he recognize Jesus as? (the promised Savior) What was Simeon’s reaction? (He broke into prayer.) What had God had promised Simeon because of his great faith? (He wouldn’t die before seeing the Savior.)
• Say: I didn’t expect you to remember all the answers after hearing the Gospel only one time. The important thing to remember is that God kept his promise by sending his Son to be our Savior.
• Ask the children why there is a collection basket with “money” up front. Remind the children that in the Gospel story, “[Mary and Joseph took Jesus] to present him to the Lord . . . and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. . . .”
• Explain: Everything that we have comes from God. From the beginning of time, people have offered sacrifice to pay homage to God and to thank him for his great gifts. Mary and Joseph offered turtledoves or pigeons. At Mass we offer gifts of money to support the spread of God’s Word and to care for people in need. As I pass this collection basket, take one “dollar bill” and write on it one thing you will do to show your love for God. Then put it in your pocket or in a drawer at home as a reminder until you do your good deed.
• Say: Now spend some quiet time with Jesus—your Lord, your friend, and your Savior. After a few moments, pray the Sign of the Cross together.

Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8) At this age, young people are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. Remind them that the Gospel, too, is a call to action. We read and study the Scripture to become better acquainted with the ways we can serve God. Materials Needed

• Copies of Luke 2:25–40 (one per student)
• Canned goods and other nonperishable food items

Preparation for the cripture Reading

• Explain that this feast day’s Gospel is a reading for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is celebrated on February 2.
• Pass out copies of the Scripture reading and ask a volunteer to read aloud verses 25–28 and 33–34a; another to read Simeon’s words: verses 29–32 and 34b–35; and one to read about Anna: verses 36–40. Encourage the readers to speak distinctly and reverently; ask the other young people to follow along silently.
• When finished, ask the young people: How did Luke describe Simeon? (devout, anxious for the redemption of Israel) What promise did the Holy Spirit make to Simeon? (that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah of the Lord) How was Simeon able to recognize the baby Jesus as the Savior? (through the power of the Holy Spirit) Anna also recognized the infant Jesus as the Savior. What enabled her to do so? (She worshiped night and day, fasted, and prayed.)
• Say: Both Simeon and Anna were holy persons whose lives were focused on the coming of the Savior. Even though Jesus was only a newborn, they recognized him because they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Point out the canned goods and other items in the front of the room and ask why they are there. (Accept all reasonable answers.) Then say: We are also called to recognize Jesus. We will find him in others. Sometimes they simply need a kind word or acknowledgment; often they may need food or clothing.
• Pray aloud: Let us pray that, like Simeon and Anna, we too will be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can recognize the goodness and holiness in all the people we meet and have the courage to help where needed. Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with compassion and kindle in us the fire of your love. Amen.

Family Connection Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Discuss with the family the persons of Simeon and Anna as they meet Jesus. (Luke 2: 25–40)

Because Simeon and Anna lived lives of prayer and fasting in the Temple, they were filled with the Spirit of God. That is why they were able to identify Jesus as the Savior even though Jesus was only a baby. To these two holy people, he was recognizable as the Redeemer who had been promised. Simeon described Jesus as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

We too are called to recognize Jesus as Lord. Together as a family discuss ways to recognize Jesus as Lord by praying and attending Mass, fasting, and serving others. As a family, decide on one specific sacrifice you can make in order to alleviate the suffering or need of someone you know.

Upcoming Connections

Fourth sunday of easter, cycle b, fifth sunday of easter, cycle b, sixth sunday of easter, cycle b, the ascension of the lord, cycle b, pentecost sunday, cycle b, the solemnity of the most holy trinity, cycle b, the solemnity of the most holy body and blood of christ, cycle b.

The Presentation of the Lord

(Malachi 3: 1-4, Psalm 24: 7-10, Hebrews 2: 14-18, Luke 2: 22-40)

St. Ignatius of Loyola taught a method of prayer in which we pray by imaginatively entering a scene from scripture. Doing this enables us to be touched by God in a way that gives us “our daily bread” from God—a meaning from the story that guides, comforts, confronts, or encourages us—a meaning from God particular to us.

Today is the Feast of the Presentation. The Gospel is the story of when Mary and Joseph took the now 40 day old Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to God, in accordance with Jewish law. This story is also the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

It is too easy for me to pray familiar scenes like the Presentation in a way that actually insulates me from the daily bread that God would give me from them. They are familiar, so, as I name the fourth mystery I say, “The Presentation in the Temple,” briefly see Mary and Joseph in a structure that looks like pictures of the temple I have seen, and move on with mind and mouth to “Our Father…” followed by mind disconnected from prayer, off on my own concerns while my mouth or part of my mind says “Hail Mary” and my fingers move the beads.

St. Ignatius’ method applied carefully to one of the Mysteries of the Rosary from time to time enables me to be more present to all the mysteries on a regular basis. My prayer group has been studying St. Ignatius’ “imaginative prayer.” I thought perhaps doing it on paper might be a good way to “present” the presentation to you. Doing it so carefully helped me greatly. Perhaps my writing it here will encourage you to do this with mysteries of the rosary or any story in scripture.

As the story begins I picture Mary and Joseph coming from Bethlehem. Bethlehem was just six miles from Jerusalem (about as far as my office is from my parish church). Mary and Joseph have a baby now, so they probably leave Bethlehem with substantially more stuff than they brought from Nazareth. They plan to go home to Nazareth, so all must come with them. For this reason I imagine Joseph guiding the laden down donkey, while Mary walks and carries Jesus. I imagine the two of them walking with smiles on their faces and a lilt to their step. Today is the day they present their child to God! Today they will “ransom” him from God with two pigeons or turtledoves. In this ritual prescribed for Jews from the days of Moses, God says in effect, “your children are mine, but I give them to you to be yours.”

It is 40 days after his birth, so Jesus has filled out a bit. Mary has fed him well. He has bright, inquisitive eyes. He sleeps through most of the journey, but I imagine him alert, looking all around, once they get to the temple. This is his Father’s house, and surely he must have felt some sense of home there.

Leviticus 12: 6-8 describes what was required: “And when the days of her (the mother’s) purification are fulfilled, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt-offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtle-dove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tent of meeting, unto the priest. And he shall offer it before the Lord, and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the fountain of her blood….And if her means suffice not for a lamb, then she shall take two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons…”

Mary and Joseph took the option for the poor, and offered it as an “act of redemption for the son.” Numbers 18: 15-16 describes this in a bit more detail: “Every living thing that opens the womb, whether of man or of beast, such as are to be offered to the Lord, shall be yours; but you must let the first-born of man, as well as of unclean animals, be redeemed. The ransom shall be…”

These laws, made when the Hebrews were leaving Egypt, were clear about God’s goodness and were in contrast to the cultures of neighboring people. God did not require of the Hebrews that they sacrifice their first-born children to him. “They shall be yours.” But that first-born was, by the standards of the times, God’s. Jewish law and culture ritualized that in the purification of the mother and the redemption of the son. The child did not need to be sacrificed; God accepted as little as two-turtle doves or pigeons as ransom enough to give a child back to his parents. (My mind takes a modern turn here to appreciate how wise that was—to have a ritual for helping all parents understand all human life is a gift from God. I sadly contrast that with our world where abortion kills thousands of children each day.)

I see Joseph purchase the birds and hand them over to the priest. Perhaps Mary and Joseph now turn to go toward Nazareth…or perhaps they pause to pray or visit, as Simeon and Anna come on the scene.

Luke says that Anna was elderly—84 years old. He describes Simeon as having been told he would not taste death until he had seen the Messiah, so I tend to imagine him elderly, too. I see them as two older, righteous people, who loved God much, who pray much, and who yearn for the Messiah. At their age, they won’t be around thirty years later when Jesus begins his public ministry.

So God gives them a special, special gift.

Simeon and Anna see Jesus and recognize him—without benefit of star or angel chorus. Their spiritual eyes who have sought God so much now are joined with their physical eyes to see God’s Salvation in an ordinary, poor child. Their joy is exuberant. Simeon asks Joseph and Mary if he may hold Jesus. They smile a yes, and Mary hands him over. As Simeon’s arms cradle Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives him such beautiful words, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

But then the Spirit gives Simeon additional prophecy of what being the one to bring God’s Salvation will mean for Jesus and his parents, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Just then Anna joins the scene. I become Anna. I feel tears of joy as I see this tiny child and KNOW this child is the answer to my years of prayer. With Anna, I thank God. I see her hold Jesus and carry him over to friends in the temple—Mary and Joseph right at her side. As she gives Jesus back to his parents, I see her going off to tell more people who were also “awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”

I finally imagine Mary, Joseph, and Jesus heading now toward home in Nazareth, wondering at the day, at this child whom God this day has given back to them.

Today I encourage you to read Luke 2: 22-40 slowly two or three times. Then let yourself enter the scene. What in the scene as you pray draws you and holds you? That is what God gives you today. For me, today, it was this rich sense of being Anna, of joy of having seen and touched Jesus, of my life (as Anna) having a sense of fulfillment. I’m not quite sure of the meaning of that, but it seems to be encouraging me toward more prayer, or, perhaps, God is saying that it is good for me to be often in church praying, talking with the people who come, seeing and loving the face of God in each of them.

What might God be saying to you today?

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Through your reflection, I have been blessed. Thanks.

What a beautiful scene! As I close my eyes, taking myself to be there following & watching the Holy Family in all of their activities from home to the temple and on the rituals of offering & cleansing, i feel different emotions. It is like in a 3D movie, as if I was really there.

Watching Simeon, with Anna, looking the facial expression of Joseph & Mary, really it touches me deeply.

Thank you Sis Mary, you have lead my inner self into a new discovery. Thank you so much for this beautiful and awesome learning. A deeper contemplation of the mysteries of the rosary and of the scripture reading. Your narration too help a lot in knowing the background of the story.

There still more and a lot to be learned here!

Thank you for the example of a very all present form of prayer. God Bless.

As I reflect on this scripture reading of the Presentation of baby Jesus for the purification offering at the Temple in Jerusalem as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child, I remember the baptism of my great nephew, Anthony Michael, on the 6th day of June 2005, he was born April 6. A wonderful celebration attended by family / friends, remembering how I felt that day as I held this tiny baby in my arms.

Thank you Mary, I have been blessed so much reading your reflection on the Presentation, St . Ignatius method of prayer is so wonderful. God bless you .

As i reflect on today’s reading this hymn comes to mind” Oh Blessed are those who fear the lord and walk in his ways” The characters of today’s reading revered the lord true their obedience to the Lord and also their personal relationship with him. In the end they were happy. Its about time i developed a personal relationship with God so i could hear him speak to my spirit and also gain true happiness.

It seems to have a great significance to me that it was human hands that held our saviour and presented him to his father in heaven. And it was human hands that took his life as he presented himself to the father on the cross. As we are human, we as a race were present by representation and were participants at both events. A real mystery to contemplate indeed.

Many thanks Mary for the beautiful comments on this feast. It will help my homily tomorrow. Bob Slattery s.j.

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In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. He went in and said to her, 'Rejoice, you who enjoy God's favour! The Lord is with you.' She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour. Look! You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.' Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.

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Feast of the presentation of our lord – 2nd february.

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FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE FEAST DAY – 2nd FEBRUARY

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. As it is written in the law of the Lord – Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. – Luke 2: 22-24

The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is the first public episode in the life of Jesus, celebrating his presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem, to be redeemed by his parents’ sacrifice from a state of sanctity of his birth, and predestined by his firstborn status to serve as a priest in the order of Melchizedek. In Western Christianity, the additional name Candlemas, is added. This Feast day is also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary.

The Lord Jesus Christ, forty days after his birth, according to the Jewish custom, was presented in the temple in Jerusalem by his parents, Mary and Joseph. Saint Luke’s Gospel narrates the story. After the Presentation, Jesus started his public ministry, as a boy and later as an adult. He would even refer to his own body as a temple which he would raise up in three days, putting the Jewish Community against him. Jesus’ life was a continual offering to God the Father from the very beginning to the very end. It was in his temple that the Lord God of Israel was most present, so Mary and Joseph brought their son to God Himself.

In the Catholic Church, especially since the time of Pope Gelasius I (492-496) who in the fifth century contributed to its expansion, the Presentation is celebrated on 2 February and is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Lutheran Church, the episode was also reflected in the once-prevalent custom of churching new mothers forty days after the birth of a child.

The event is described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22–40). According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the Infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days (inclusive) after His birth to complete Mary’s ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn son, in obedience to the Torah (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:12–15, etc.). Luke explicitly says that Joseph and Mary take the option provided for poor people (those who could not afford a lamb; Leviticus 12:8), sacrificing “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Leviticus 12:1–4 indicates that this event should take place forty days after birth for a male child, hence the Presentation is celebrated forty days after Christmas.

Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that “he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). Simeon then uttered the prayer that would become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus. Simeon then prophesied to Mary: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34–35).

The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there of His importance to redemption in Jerusalem (Luke 2:36–38). The very building where Jesus was presented by His parents, was burned and destroyed by a powerful Roman army under the future Emperor Titus in 70 A.D. and was never rebuilt. Our faith is historical, but it has a global reach which does not allow it to be planted in just one culture or just one location. Christ is destined for all cultures and all times.

Every Catholic church with the Blessed Sacrament is a Holy of Holies, which fully expresses the deepest mysteries of our faith. There is no strict need to go on pilgrimage to Rome or to Jerusalem once in your life. Every Catholic church in every place, encompasses and transmits the entirety of our faith. God’s hand must have been involved in the headship of the Church migrating from Jerusalem to Rome in the first century. Saint Peter saw no need to remain in Jerusalem in order to be faithful to his Master. The Church is where Christ is, Christ is in the Holy Eucharist, and the Holy Eucharist is everywhere.

We attend church, as the Jews went to their many synagogues, because God is always present in the house built for him, the church. God is surrounded and protected by His priests, saints, sacraments, music, art, and worship. In a church, God is fully clothed, equipped, and armored, fully represented and understood. We dedicate ourselves to Him there, and receive Him there in His Body and in His Blood. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus is fully present and it is the commemoration of his Last Supper with his apostles. Therefore, the feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the temple gains added significance, for that is his real home.

Lord Jesus, as an infant you were brought to the temple by your parents to fulfil the religious custom of the Jews. Help all parents to initiate their children into the faith with responsibility towards God’s mission in their lives, which is primarily to inculcate their faith in the next generation by their words and by their actions, so that the faith will be handed on where the faith is first learned, in the family and in the home.

Help parents to guide their children in spiritual works and to pursue the truth above all else, preparing Christian children to understand their place in the religious life, to know Christ, to follow the commandments of God and to propagate the kingdom of God among the peoples of the world, all in Jesus’ Name. Amen

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Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Thursday, feb. 2, 2023.

Location: All Parishes En Español

The Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord 40 days after the birth of Jesus. Before 1969, the feast was  known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Candlemas. It was celebrated in the earliest times in the Church in Jerusalem and from there the observance spread throughout the Christian world.  According to the law of Moses, a woman was ritually unclean for 40 days after childbirth. Therefore,  Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple to present him to the Lord and offer sacrifice for purification . "... just as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,' and to offer the sacrifice of 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons...'" ( Luke 2:23-24 ) 

In this photo, altar servers lead a procession in celebration of "Dia de la Candelaria," or Candlemas Day, Feb. 2, 2016 in Oaxaca, Mexico. Parishioners often bring candles to this Mass to have them blessed for use at home throughout the year. Read about the Symbolism of Candlemas .

Ellyn von Huben with Word on Fire  said this feast celebrates the "coming of Light into the world." ...  "But a shadow also passes; a shadow foretelling the suffering that will precede the victory of the Light over darkness," she add . "Simeon not only proclaimed that he had seen his salvation, but also told the Mother of our Lord that her share would include a sorrow pierced heart.

In " Redemptoris Mater ," St. John Paul II wrote that Mary heard in Simeon’s words something akin to a second annunciation, 'for they tell her of the actual historical situation in which the Son is to accomplish his mission, namely, in misunderstanding and sorrow. While this announcement on the one hand confirms her faith in the accomplishment of the divine promises of salvation, on the other hand it also reveals to her that she will have to live her obedience of faith in suffering, at the side of the suffering Savior, and that her motherhood will be mysterious and sorrowful.”

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Ut omnes unum sint, ad maiorem dei gloriam – that they all may be one, for the greater glory of god.

Thursday, 2 February 2023 : Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : White

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today the Church celebrates the occasion of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, the fortieth day of Christmas. This is the day which in accordance to longstanding Christian tradition, is the last day of the great 40 days long celebration of the Christmas season. On this day, the fortieth day since we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we commemorate His Presentation at the Temple of Jerusalem, the House of God. Traditionally, this date also marks the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which Mary, after having spent forty days in confinement after childbirth, according to the Jewish laws and customs, was purified at the House of God and was welcomed back into the community of God’s people.

In our first reading today, we heard of the words of the Lord to His people through the prophet Malachi, we heard of the Lord speaking of the Covenant which He has established with His people and the Envoy of this Covenant which was coming into the world. This prophecy was often referred to the promise of the coming of the Messiah, the Holy One of God and also His herald, St. John the Baptist. In the context of today’s celebration, we are reminded of the expectation of the coming of the Saviour from the Lord, which the prophets had been proclaiming and reassuring the people of God for ages. The prophet Malachi was one of the last prophets of the Old Testament era, who continued the traditions of the prophets in delivering the words of God to His people. Through his words and ministry, the people kept on waiting patiently for the coming of the Lord’s salvation.

If Christmas marks the moment when the Lord entered into this world and appeared at last, bringing forth God’s salvation and hope, and if Epiphany marks the moment when He was revealed to the nations, to the pagan peoples and all mankind through the Three Magi or Wise Men, then this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord marks the moment when the Lord appeared and was presented not only before the Lord but also before the people of God, those who belonged to the nation of Israel. Indeed, some would have said that the Angels had appeared to the shepherds in the wilderness of Bethlehem when the Lord was born, but it was at the moment of the Lord’s Presentation at the Temple of Jerusalem, the House of God, that He was revealed to the Jewish people, to the people to whom God had promised His salvation.

The coming of the Lord and His Presentation as we heard in our Gospel passage today marked the fulfilment of the Lord’s many promises and the renewal of His Covenant which He has reassured His people again and again every time. The elderly Simeon and the prophetess Anna both witnessed the coming of the Lord in the form of the little Child, presented there that day at the Temple and House of God, and they must have been so joyful to have glimpsed the coming of God’s salvation in the flesh, before their very own eyes. And they spoke of the many great things which the Lord would do through His Son, to His parents, Mary and St. Joseph and to all those who were assembled and present there at the Temple on that day. Truly today we celebrate the Lord’s revelation to His people, the coming and appearance of His Light in this world.

That is why today’s celebration is also known as the Candlemas, the celebration of the Light of Christ revealed to all of the people of God and to all the nations. On this day we recall how the Lord has shown us His most amazing love and revealed to us His Light through His Son, so that there is Light that illuminates our path in this darkened and sinful world. All of us have received the assurances from the Lord of His love and salvation, and this day we are reminded that everything that He has ever promised and spoken to us, all have come true in Christ, our Lord and Saviour. It is thanks to the coming of the Lord that all of us can have hope again, and His Light has come into our midst to dwell among us, that we have seen the path out of the darkness and despair that surround us, the Light that is our guide and strength amidst the hardships and challenges facing us.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, now as we rejoice today on this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, let us all also then take note that the Light of Christ has been passed on to us, just as we have the blessing of candles this day, to remind us of the Light of Christ that we all have received at our baptism. All of us have received the Light of the Lord and His Light having been present in us, should be the source of light for this world, for one another. What does this mean? It means that we should be beacons of God’s Light, His truth, love and all the hope which He has brought into our midst, taught and revealed to us. As Christians, all of us have received this truth and share this same knowledge and love of God, and we should therefore be the bearers of His Light in our world today.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, can we be truly worthy disciples of the Lord and the bearers of His Light in our world today? In order to do that, then all of us have to be filled with the Light of Christ, filled with God’s righteousness, virtues and justice. All of us have to live our lives to the best of our abilities so that we may become source of inspiration and hope for others, and that we may help others to find their way in obeying the Law and the commandments of God. Each and every one of us are parts of the Church’s effort to evangelise and to proclaim the truth of God to more and more of the people all around us, both within and outside the Church. Each one of us are the bearers of His Good News and truth, and through us many people may come to find our way to salvation and eternal life.

May the Lord continue to lead and guide us down this path of righteousness. May all of us continue to strive to live our lives as best as we can in showing our faith truly through our every day actions, even in the smallest and the seemingly most insignificant things we do in life. May all of us continue to be encouraged to live our lives to the fullest, and may He empower all of us to walk in His presence, and to glorify Him, as the beacons of His Light, righteousness, virtues and justice, now and always, forevermore. Amen.

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Watch CBS News

What is Eid al-Fitr? 6 questions about the holiday and how Muslims celebrate it, answered

By Ken Chitwood

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 8:03 AM EDT / The Conversation

Ken Chitwood  is a senior research fellow, Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and journalist-fellow at the Dornsife Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the  University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences .

Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam's principal festivals, will be celebrated April 9, 2024, according to the Fiqh Council of North America . At the middle of June, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha. Ken Chitwood, a scholar of global Islam, explains the two Islamic festivals.

1. What is Eid?

Eid literally means a "festival" or "feast" in Arabic. There are two major eids in the Islamic calendar per year – Eid al-Fitr earlier in the year and Eid al-Adha later.

Eid al-Fitr is a three-day-long festival and is known as the "Lesser" or "Smaller Eid" when compared to Eid al-Adha, which is four days long and is known as the "Greater Eid."

2. Why is Eid celebrated twice a year?

The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of Islam.

Eid al-Fitr means "the feast of breaking the fast." The fast, in this instance, is Ramadan , which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sundown for a month.

3. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special morning prayers. People greet each other with "Eid Mubarak," meaning "Blessed Eid" and with formal embraces. Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and to those in need. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. Practices vary from country to country.

In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbors can enjoy the celebrations together. In the U.S. and the U.K., Muslims may request to have the day off from school or work to travel or celebrate with family and friends.

In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights or flowers. Special food is prepared and friends and family are invited over to celebrate.

In places like Jordan, with its Muslim majority population, the days before Eid al-Fitr can see a rush at local malls and special "Ramadan markets" as people prepare to exchange gifts on Eid al-Fitr.

In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as the, "Lesser Bayram" or "festival" in Turkish.

4. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?

The other festival, Eid al-Adha, is the "feast of the sacrifice." It comes at the end of the Hajj , an annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is obligatory once in a lifetime, but only for those with means.

Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. The story, as narrated in the Quran, describes Satan's attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey God's command. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed.

But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahim's sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God.

5. When are they celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the final month in the Islamic calendar.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Since the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days, the dates for Ramadan and Eid on the Gregorian calendar can vary year by year.

6. What is the spiritual meaning of Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr, as it follows the fasting of Ramadan, is also seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah's provision of strength and endurance.

Amid the reflection and rejoicing, Eid al-Fitr is a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid is meant to be a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community and a time for distributing one's wealth.

Charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam. The Quran says ,

"Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity – for them is a great reward."

This piece incorporates materials from an article first published on Aug. 28, 2017. The dates have been updated. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

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Ram Navami 2024: Date, puja timings, rituals, history and celebrations of Lord Rama's birth

Ram navami 2024: the birth of lord rama, the seventh incarnation of lord vishnu is celebrated as ram navami. all about history, rituals and celebrations..

Ram Navami , one of the most significant Hindu festivals, that commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, falls on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. The auspicious occasion coincides with the final day of Chaitra Navratri festivities every year. On Day 9 of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Durga and her incarnation Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped.

Lord Rama is considered the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu as per Hindu mythology. Born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya, Rama was their eldest son. Lord Rama is revered as an embodiment of truth, duty, righteousness and compassion. Having all the traits of an ideal person, he was also known to be Maryada Purushottama. The festival celebrates the life and times of Lord Rama and the victory of good over evil. (Also read: On Ram Navami, 1,11,111 kg laddus to be sent to Ram temple in Ayodhya)

When is Ram Navami in 2024?

Chaitra Navratri began on April 9, Tuesday this year and will conclude on April 17 with the festival of Ram Navami.

History of Ram Navami: Story of Lord Rama's birth

The story of Lord Rama is depicted in Valmiki's Ramayana, one of the most important epics of Hinduism and goes back to 8th or 7th century B.C. Ayodhya was at the pinnacle of prosperity during the rule of King Dashrath but with no children or heir to carry forward his legacy, he conducted a Yagya, where several rishis and divine beings prayed to Lord Brahma for granting Dashrath's wish.

On the other hand Ravana, the ruler of Lanka was wreaking havoc misusing the boon granted to him by Lord Brahma according to which he could never die at the hands of gods, gandharvas, yakshas or demons except humans. With formidable weapons, chariot, as well as the ability to shapeshift, Ravana was unstoppable. This is when all Gods went to Lord Vishnu and urged him to incarnate on earth and slay the demon king Ravana.

After the conclusion of Yagya, a divine figure appeared over the sacrificial kund, and handed over Dashrath a divine 'payasam' to be distributed among his queens Kausalya, Kaikayi, and Sumitra. While Rama was born to Kausalya, Kaikayi gave birth to Bharat while Laxman and Shatrughna were born to Sumitra.

Ram Navami shubh muhurat

Rama Navami on Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Rama Navami Madhyahna Muhurat - 11:03 am to 01:38 pm

Duration - 02 hours 35 minutes

Ram Navami rituals/celebrations

Ram Navami is celebrated across the country with much enthusiasm and fervour. In his birth city Ayodhya, Lord Rama's birth anniversary is celebrated with much fanfare - grand aartis, processions and bhandaras for the devotees. People come to Ayodhya from different parts of the country to partake in Ram Navami rituals and get blessings of Lord Rama.

Many observe a day-long fast on the day. Lord Rama devotees read passages from scriptures like Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagavatam. Lord Rama along with Sita Mata, Lakshman and Hanuman are also worshipped on this day. It is usually celebrated in the months of March-April as per Gregorian calendar.

• Ram Navami Procession
• Hindu Festival
• Festivals Of India
• Lord Vishnu

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