Forty days after Christmas Day, on Sunday 2nd February we celebrate the feast of “The Presentation of the Lord”.  It was forty days after the birth of Jesus that his parents presented him to God the Father in the Temple in Jerusalem.

At his Presentation in the Temple, Jesus was recognised for who he was by two people – Simeon and Anna. They were elderly and had spent their lives growing closer to God. Now they meet him face to face and recognise him in their midst.  Simeon prays: “Now, Master, you can let your servant die in peace because my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all nations to see. He will be a light to enlighten all people”.

Because Simeon referred to Jesus as the one who brings light to all nations, candles are lit and the Feast day is often called “Candlemas”.

It is also World Day for Consecrated Life.