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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/
Helen Hoffner, Ed.D. is a professor at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the author of four books for Catholic audiences: The Cross: A Universal Symbol ( Marian Press, 2024), Catholicism Everywhere ( Sophia Institute Press, 2024), Catholic Traditions and Treasures ( Sophia Institute Press, 2018), and The Rosary Collector's Guide ( Schiffer Publishing, 2013). She has also written four books for teachers: The Elementary Teacher's Digital Toolbox ( Prentice Hall, 2006), Literacy Lessons K-8 ( Corwin Press, 2010), Reading and Writing Mysteries in Grades 4-8 ( Teacher Created Materials, 2006), and A Look at Realistic Fiction ( Teacher Created Materials, 2003). Dr. Hoffner has been invited to discuss her books on television programs of EWTN and the Catholic Faith Network as well as on radio stations across the United States and Canada.
