Celebrate Candlemas on Feb. 2: Light in the Darkness of Winter
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January 2026 was a challenging month of snowstorms and icing across the United States. Residents of northeastern states brought out their snowplows and shoveled their sidewalks. Southerners dealt with unexpected school closures and the cancellation of anticipated events. The snowstorms led to fear, frustration, and broken bones from slips on the ice. To brighten spirits, the Catholic Church has given us the Feast of Candlemas, a time to look forward to the light of Christ and the promise of Spring.
Centuries ago, Pope Sergius I (687-701) proclaimed that the Feast of Candlemas would be celebrated each year on February 2 to lessen the gloom of winter.
Candlemas marks 40 days after Christmas and the day on which Mary and Joseph presented Jesus, their newborn son, in the temple. Upon their arrival, the devout man Simeon, proclaimed the Infant Jesus to be, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people, Israel”, (Luke 2:32).
As February begins, Catholics can use the Feast of Candlemas to focus upon the light of Christ and hope for the warmth and beauty of spring.
To learn more about Candlemas and other feasts of the Catholic Church, read, Catholic Traditions and Treasures: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, by Dr. Helen Hoffner. Published by Sophia Institute Press, Catholic Traditions and Treasures: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, explains the history and origin of practices of the Catholic Church. The book is available from Sophia Institute Press, EWTN Religious Catalog, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, The Catholic Compnay, and other book sellers.
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.
