The Presentation of the Lord and World Day for Consecrated Life

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation, which took place 40 days after the birth of Jesus, as Jewish law required. This day is also referred to as Candlemas. 

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem because every firstborn child was to be dedicated to the Lord. When Mary and Joseph entered the temple with the Child Jesus, Simeon immediately recognized Him, the Savior he had been waiting for and he gave thanks to the Lord.

Luke 2:25-35  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Today is also World Day for Consecrated Life. On this day, the candles are blessed, symbolizing Christ, the Light of the world. By their profession of vows, consecrated men and women are called to be this Light of Christ in the world.  Let us pray for all those who have consecrated their lives to Christ that they will be filled with His Light that they may draw others into His Light and Love by the witness of their lives.

Saint John Paul II Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, once You called the first disciples in order to make them fishers of men. Continue to let resound today Your sweet invitation: "Come and follow me." Grant to young men and young women the grace of responding promptly to Your voice. Sustain our bishops, priests and consecrated souls in their apostolic work. Give perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are fulfilling an ideal of a life of total consecration to Your service. Enkindle in our communities a missionary zeal. Send Lord, workers into Your fields and do not let mankind be lost because of lack of pastors, missionaries and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel. Mary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say Yes to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the Divine Design of Salvation. Amen.

Ave Maris Stella Traditionally sung at the first Vespers of Candlemas Hail, Star of the Sea, Blessed Mother of God, yet ever a Virgin! O Happy Gate of heaven. Thou that didst receive the Ave from Gabriel's lips, confirm us in peace, and so let Eva be changed into an Ave of blessing for us. Loose the sinner's chains, bring light to the blind, drive from us our evils, and ask all good things for us. Show thyself a Mother, and offer our prayers to Him, who would be born of thee, when born for us. O incomparable Virgin, and meekest of the meek, obtain us the forgiveness of our sins, and make us meek and chaste. Obtain us purity of life, and a safe pilgrimage; That we may be united with thee, in the blissful vision of Jesus. Praise be to God the Father, and to the Lord Jesus and to the Holy Spirit: to the three one self-same praise. Amen.

O Mary, Star of the Sea, you carried the Light of the World in your arms. On this day, we entrust to you all those who have consecrated their lives to Jesus and we ask you to give them strength in every trial. O Most Loving Mother, your heart was pierced by a sword; when they are suffering, help them to turn to the Light of the World, your Beloved Son Jesus, for healing, consolation and peace.