Candlemas and Candles to be Blessed

February 2 celebrates the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary forty days after the birth of Christ, at which time, in accordance with the Old Law, Mother Mary presented her first-born Son in the temple and was ritually purified. Receiving the Child Jesus, Simeon prophesied that he would be "a light to the revelation of the Gentiles". Because of this, light and candles play an important role in the Mass on this feast day. Accordingly, the Mass is often called Candlemas.

In 2021, the feast day falls on a Tuesday. The blessing of the candles to be used throughout the year will be held at 7 p.m., followed by a procession and  a Sung Mass.

If you would like to bring candles to be blessed, please place them in the designated area by the altar at least 15 minutes before Mass starts. Candles should be unscented and preferably contain at least 51% beeswax. After the blessing, they are to be used for devotional purposes and during storms and times of trouble.