Parents in Prayer

Did you know?

At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession. At the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles, which continues to this day, became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas.

 The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus – February 2

 The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, which falls on February 2, celebrates an early event in the life of Jesus. Other traditional names include Candlemas and the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin. In the Roman Catholic Church the Presentation of the Lord is a Feast Day, the major feast between the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle on January 25 and the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle on February 22. The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens up the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

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.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:22-38) 

 During the month of February, the students from Grade 4 will join us for the Rosary every Thursday at 8:35am.

Please ask your children to add their intentions to the book on the table in Mary’s Courtyard if they’d like to. We pray for the intentions of the parents, students, teachers, faculty and staff of the Academy as well as those of Fr. Bill and the parishioners of  St. Charles.