The Presentation of Our Lady

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the Temple at Jerusalem

The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Presentation is not directly analogous to Our Lord’s Presentation, also known as Candlemas or the Purification of Our Lady. The Presentation of Our Lady instead celebrates the occasion when the Blessed Virgin, at the age of three, was presented to God at the Temple in Jerusalem by her parents, Ss. Joachim and Anne, in order that she serve there and be educated by the priests. This followed an ancient Jewish custom, as seen in the story of Samuel, and many other examples. A particular account of the Presentation is found in the apocryphal but beloved second century Proto-evangelium of James, from which is also drawn the names of Our Lady’s parents. Celebration of this feast day originated in the East in the early centuries of the Church, and eventually made its way into the West. Like the feasts of Joachim & Anne, it was briefly suppressed after the Council of Trent due to concerns over apocryphal origins, until further study and continued popular devotion led to its reinstatement. In many icons of the Presentation, Our Lady is portrayed as a miniature adult, rather than a child, representing her holy maturity and virtue that astounded all present when she entered the Temple.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for November 21st

IN the temple at Jerusalem, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

The same day, the birthday [into heaven] of blessed Rufus, mentioned by the apostle St. Paul in his epistle to the Romans.

At Rome, the martyrdom of the Saints Celsus and Clement.

At Ostia, the holy martyrs Demetrius and Honorius.

At Rheims, St. Albert, bishop of Liege and martyr, who was put to death for defending the liberties of the Church.

In Spain, the holy martyrs Honorius, Eutychius and Stephen.

In Pamphylia, St. Heliodorus, martyr, in the persecution of Aurelian, under the governor Aetius. After his death his executioners were converted to the faith and thrown into the sea.

At Rome, St. Gelasius, pope, distinguished for learning and sanctity.

At Verona, St. Maurus, bishop and confessor.

In the monastery of Bobio, the departure from this life of St. Columban, abbot, who founded many convents and governed a large number of monks. He died at an advanced age, celebrated for many virtues.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.