The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is an ancient celebration in the Church. It is also called Candlemas because, on this day, candles are blessed. These candles remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. The feast is celebrated on February 2, forty days after Christmas. It recalls the day when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to God.

Many of these candles will be used throughout the liturgical year (at Mass, for baptisms, and for devotional use), as well as sanctuary candles used to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the tabernacle.

This event is rooted in Jewish tradition. According to the Law of Moses, every firstborn son belonged to God. Jewish parents were to bring their son to the Temple and offer a small sacrifice in thanksgiving. By bringing Jesus to the Temple, Mary and Joseph followed God’s law faithfully. This act shows their humility and obedience to God.

Because February 2, 2025 falls on a Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to celebrate this special feast at all of this weekend’s liturgies.

And…because this weekend precedes the Feast of St. Blaise, the blessing of throats (with more candles) will be offered. This custom commemorates a miracle attributed to St. Blaise and is offered to invoke God’s healing power for all the Faithful.

May the Light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts and throughout the world!

In Christ Our Light,

Fr. Gurnick

Dear Friends and Parishioners,

I came across this excerpt from Catholic News Agency’s summary of Pope Francis’ Angelus 2020 address on the Feast of the Holy Family.  It rings so true as we pray in a special way for all families throughout the Christmas Season.  A key note of the life of the family of Nazareth was joy, with the Child Jesus “surrounded by the maternal affection of Mary and the care of Joseph, in whom Jesus was able to see God’s tenderness.” We too, said Pope Francis, “are called to rediscover the educational value of the family unit.” Families, he said, must be founded “on the love that always regenerates relationships, opening up horizons of hope.” The Pope emphasized the importance in the family of prayer, affection, forgiveness, tenderness, and adherence to the will of God. “In this way,” he said, “the family opens itself to the joy that God gives to all those who know how to give joyfully.” A happy home, he added, is also outgoing: “it finds the spiritual energy to be open to the outside world, to others, to the service of brothers and sisters, to collaboration in building an ever new and better world,” especially by the example of daily life.

May you and your family enjoy the blessings God so earnestly desires for you and for all families as they bear joy, hope, and stability for our world.

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Fr. Gurnick

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

With only days away from Christmas, our attention may be on last-minute shopping for gifts or groceries. Maybe decorating with one more strand of lights on the mantle. Wherever we are with these preparations, may we use these next few days preparing our hearts for the renewed joy and hope that our Savior’s birth offers. Wherever your holiday travels take you, may you enjoy the blessings of faith and family. Be assured of my personal prayers for all of our parishioners and friends.

Christmas blessings,

FR. GURNICK