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Bring your candles to be blessed at Mass

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On Feb. 2, we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, also known as Candlemas. On this day, 40 days after Jesus’ birth in keeping with Jewish law, Mary and Joseph brought their baby to the temple for the first time.

This day is referred to as Candlemas because, at the Presentation, Simeon announces: “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 2:22-38) We celebrate Christ as the Light of the world, and bless the candles to be used at Mass.

Some families celebrate by using candlelight all day instead of electric lights and eating crepes, a tradition rooted in the legend about Pope Gelasius I, who made Candlemas an official holiday throughout the Universal Church. It was said that he distributed pancakes to the poor and to pilgrims coming to Rome on Candlemas.

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