Blessing of Candles on the Feast of the Presentation

On Wednesday, February 2 the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord.  Mass at St. John’s will be celebrated at noon.  This event recalls Jesus’ presentation in the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth by his parents in obedience to the Law of Moses.  It is customary on this day to bless candles, recalling Simeon’s reference to the infant Jesus as the “light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).  You are most welcome to bring your own candles to Mass to be blessed.