Every February 2nd we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, 40 days after Christmas Day (December 25). The Gospels tell us that "Jesus' parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, according to what was written in the law of the Lord" (Luke 2:22). The Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, were received in the temple by two faithful elders observant of the law of God: Simeon and Anna. And he is blessed and presented as the Savior, light of the nations.
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On this day, simultaneously, the ritual purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary is remembered, after having given birth to the Savior.
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In this feast, Simeon's song resonates in the gospel (Lk 2:22-40), where we hail Christ as "light to illuminate the nations and to give glory to your people, Israel." And for this reason candles are usually lit, which is why this day is also known as the festival of candles.
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Fr. Tarcisio
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