The Presentation of the Lord

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord...

(Luke2:22)

Today we celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord.  Our Mass began with our gathering in the atrium for the Blessing of Candles followed by a procession into Chapel.  Today's feast has also been referred to as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Candlemas Day, referring to the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Chirst who is the light of the world.

Today is also the World Day for Consecrated Life.  Instituted in 1997 by Pope John Paul II, it was day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life.  In parishes throughout the United States this day will be transferred to Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated person for the whole Church.

Please remember in prayer all men and women who have consecrated their lives to Christ and serve Him and His Church.

Heavenly Father,

we thank you for the gift of consecrated life in the Church.

May all those who dedicate themselves in service to You

experience an ever deepening awareness

of Your presence in their lives.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.