The Presentation of the Lord, or Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, marks the occasion when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, forty days after His birth. This event, also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, fulfills Jewish law, which required a mother to offer a sacrifice after childbirth. In the Temple, Simeon, a devout man, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and praises God, saying, “Now let Your servant depart in peace.” The feast highlights Christ’s entry into the world as the light of salvation, illuminating all nations.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Feast Day to be observed in Canada.