It’s the Feast of Purification of the BVM, 2nd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: “Jesus, Source of Pacification”, today’s news from the Church: “First Victory in the French Senate Against the Euthanasia Law”, a preview of the Sermon: “Candlemas: Fulfillment and the Great Meeting”, and today’s thought from the Archbishop.
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Sources Used Today:
- “Jesus, Source of Pacification” – From Epiphany to Lent
- “First Victory in the French Senate Against the Euthanasia Law” (FSSPX.news)
- “Candlemas: Fulfillment and the Great Meeting” (SSPX Sermons)
- The Spiritual Life – Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press)
The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on February 2 and also known as Candlemas, draws the Church back into the mystery of Christ’s earliest days and the humility that marked them. Forty days after His birth, Mary and Joseph brought the Child Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling the Law of Moses. Mary, though immaculate and in no need of purification, submitted herself freely to the law given to Israel. In doing so, she revealed the depth of her obedience. She who bore God Himself chose the place of the poor and the ordinary, offering the sacrifice of the humble. The Son of God, carried into the Temple, was already being offered to the Father.
At the heart of the feast stands the meeting with Simeon and Anna. Simeon, righteous and patient, recognized what others could not. Taking the Child into his arms, he proclaimed Jesus as “a light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.” In that moment, the hidden Child of Bethlehem was revealed publicly for the first time. Yet joy and sorrow met together. Simeon foretold that this Child would be a sign of contradiction and that Mary’s own soul would be pierced by a sword. The feast holds both truths at once. Christ is the Light, and that Light will be opposed.
Historically, the feast developed early in Jerusalem, where it was known as the Feast of the Meeting. By the fourth century, Christians were already gathering forty days after Epiphany for a solemn procession to commemorate the Lord’s presentation. As the feast spread to the West, it took on a penitential character, marking the close of the Christmas cycle and preparing the faithful for Lent. By the early Middle Ages, February 2 had become firmly established as Candlemas, emphasizing Christ as the Light who enters His Temple.
The blessing of candles became the most distinctive element of the feast. Candles symbolized Christ Himself, the Light that darkness cannot overcome. In traditional practice, the faithful processed with blessed candles, carrying them into the church and then into the world. The light received in the liturgy was meant to be carried into daily life. Candlemas thus became a feast of consecration, reminding Christians that they, too, are called to bear Christ’s light faithfully.
Across Europe, Candlemas marked the turning of the year. Homes were blessed with candles kept for times of illness, storms, or death. In monasteries and parishes, the feast was associated with perseverance and trust, especially in seasons of uncertainty. The Purification teaches that holiness often appears in obedience rather than exception, and that the Light of Christ is revealed most fully to those who wait patiently.
Holy Mary, obedient Mother and bearer of the Light, pray for us.
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