The Blessed Virgin, wishing to obey the Mosaic law, had to go to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus to offer the prescribed sacrifice. Mothers were to offer a lamb, or if their means did not allow it, two doves or pigeons. She took with her the Infant Jesus. The Candlemas procession recalls the journey of Mary and Joseph to the temple.

Novena for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes begins today.

This day the Blessed Virgin Mary presented the Child Jesus in the temple; and Simeon, filled with the Holy Ghost, took Him up in arms, and blessed God forever and ever. ~Antiphon at the Magnificat

Oh, when shall it be fully granted me to be free, and to see how sweet Thou art, O Lord my God! ~ Imitation: Book III

Ideal: At the moment in which the holy man Simeon pronounced the prophecy “set for the fall and rise of many” did the little Heart of the Savior suffer a pang at thought of you or did it beat faster with delight?

Today: Our dear Lady’s suffering was accentuated today at the expectation of the “sword that should pierce” her heart. It was our fault. We must be so certainly her faithful children today that we assure her such intense anguish has not been in vain.

Slogan: This child is sent for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel.

~A Character Calendar
Sister Mary Fidelis, Sister Mary Charitas
Imprimatur 1931