Will the Next Pope Be a Priest? He Doesn't Have to Be!
In the dark days of winter, Catholics celebrate Candlemas, a remembrance of the day that Mary and Joseph presented Baby Jesus in the temple. Candlemas is celebrated each year on February 2. Candles are associated with this day because the Gospel of St. Luke states that Simeon, a devout man in the temple, declared Jesus to be, " a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory to they people, Israel" ( Luke 2:32). Candlemas traditions include the blessing of candles to be used at home as well as candlelight processions before or after a mass. By celebrating Candlemas, Catholics are reminded that Christ's light and warmth will pierce winter's wrath.
To learn more traditons of the Catholic church, read Catholic Traditions & Treasures: An Illustrated Encyclopedia by Dr. Helen Hoffner. The book is published by Sophia Institute Press and availabla at https://sophiainstitute.com/product/catholic-traditions-and-treasures/