This Monday, February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, forty days after Christ’s birth. Also known as Candlemas, it includes the blessing and procession of candles, recalling Jesus as the Light of the World. It also commemorates Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus in the Temple, where He is proclaimed “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). The blessing and procession of candles recall Christ as the Light of the World and our call to carry His light into the world. Tuesday is also the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, established by Pope St. John Paul II, honoring consecrated men and women who reflect Christ’s light in the world. Although we rarely process into church with candles at our current liturgies, we still bless the candles that will be used this year for baptisms, Masses and the Paschal Candles. February 3 is the Feast of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. On this day the Church offers the Blessing of the Throats, asking St. Blaise’s intercession for protection from illnesses of the throat and for good health. If you can attend a daily Mass this week you will be able to experience these wonderful traditions.