Candlemas Blessings!

Before the day is over, I must blog about the lovely Mass I attended this morning. Today, February 2nd, is more than Groundhog’s Day or Super Bowl Sunday Eve. Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas. Jesus, the Light of the World, was brought to the Temple. It is customary on this day to bless the liturgical candles that will be used in the coming year. Individuals may also have their devotional candles blessed on this day as well.

This morning’s Mass began in the vestibule of the church. The liturgical candles were neatly stacked. Mass attendees were invited to add their own devotional candles to the collection. We all gathered in the vestibule and each of us carried a small, lighted taper. Father blessed the candles and we processed into the church. The choir sang the Propers of the Mass and the Gloria, Creed, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei were all chanted in Latin. There was plenty of incense.

I am not sure how many people came just for Candlemas and how many people at Mass were the regular Saturday morning Mass-goers. Lots of folks did bring candles to be blessed. Even though Candlemas will not fall on a Saturday next year, I do hope our parish continues to mark the Feast with such a joyful yet reverent Mass. It is an occasion for the whole parish, but I think it is especially important for the families. It helps them live the rhythm of the liturgical calendar and bring the Faith into their domestic churches.