According to the Church’s liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, also known as the Feast of the Purification and Candlemas is held annually on February 2. This feast commemorates the 40th day after Jesus’ birth, when he was presented in the Jerusalem Temple and Mary was purified in accordance with the Jewish Law. BETTY AMUKPO seeks the views of some children on why Catholics celebrate this feast.
‘The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Catholics celebrate the presentation of the Child Jesus’
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 529) teaches that Catholics celebrate the presentation of the Child Jesus, because the presentation of Jesus in the temple shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord (Luke 2:22-39). The event occurred 40 days after the Nativity of Jesus, which was required by the Mosaic Law forty days after the birth of a child. Mary and Joseph knew already that Jesus is God, yet, they decided to obey the law thereby presenting God to God. The event was recalled in the fourth decade of the Joyful mystery.
• Josephine Oluwakomi
‘The feast day celebrates both the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of Mary’
The reason Catholics celebrate the presentation of the child Jesus is because it reflects how Jesus fulfills the old covenant (Leviticus 12:1-4). The feast day celebrates both the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, (Exodus 13:12-15) as well as the purification of Mary, which was required by the mosaic law, forty days after the birth of a child.
• Stephen Victory
‘It is the beginning of salvation to mankind’
he Catholic Church because it is the sure way and beginning of salvation for mankind. The feast day celebrates both the presentation of Jesus in the temple as well as the purification of Mary which was required by Mosaic law, forty days after the birth of a child.w The presentation of child Jesus is celebrated forty days after Christmas.
•Anita Chima
‘Perfect fulfilment in the mystery of the passion death and the resurrection of the Lord’
It is a combined feast commemorating the Jewish practice of the purification of the mother after childbirth (Lev.12: 2 – 8) and the presentation of the child to God in the temple and his buying back redemption from God, Luke 2: 32 38.The prophesy of Simeon and Anna who assert that Jesus is the messiah and the light for the gentiles, and also a sword will pierce Mary’s heart. The presentation finds it complete and perfect fulfilment in the mystery of the passion, death and the resurrection of the Lord.
• Dorcas Sobayo
‘Through the presentation of Jesus, people receive their blessings, especially those seeking for fruit of the womb’
The presentation of Jesus in the temple as well as purification of Mary, was required by the Mosaic law forty days after the birth of a child. According to the Old Testament law, a sacrifice had to be offered in the temple when a child was consecrated to the Lord. Mary and Joseph honoured this tradition as written in Luke 2:22-24. Who are we not to celebrate the presentation of the saviour of the world, Jesus Christ? Through the presentation of Jesus, people receive their blessings, especially those seeking for fruit of the womb. It is one of the celebrations that can never stop in the Catholic Church.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘It marks the occasion when Calvary’ Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem’
Catholics celebrate the Presentation of the Child Jesus, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas, to commemorate the event described in Luke 2:22- 39. It marks the occasion when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem, as was customary for Jewish parents. This event fulfilled the requirements of the Law of Moses. Simeon and Anna, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognised Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, highlighting his significance not only to Israel but to all nations.
• Arnold Kamsy Akalezi
‘It is also a ritual of purification and redemption’
Catholics celebrate the presentation of the Child Jesus because it’s a blessed moment for everyone. It is also a ritual of purification and redemption. The presentation of the Child Jesus was supported by the Book of Luke 2:38: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
• Gideon Eyinade
‘This event signifies the fulfillment of the law and the start of Jesus’ mission’
Catholics celebrate the Presentation of the Child Jesus because it commemorates an event in the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke (2:22-39). According to this passage, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. The devout Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognised Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and praised God. This event signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the start of Jesus’ mission. It also reminds Catholics of the obedience and faithfulness of Mary and Joseph. The celebration emphasises the significance of Jesus’ coming into the world and the light he brings to humanity.
• Blossom Somto Akalezi
‘The Presentation of Jesus in the temple can be linked with the offering of the Sacrifice of Calvary’
Catholics celebrate the presentation of the Child Jesus in fulfillment of the Old Covenant. Jesus’ presentation in the temple reflects how he fulfills the Old Covenant and also shows us that Jesus is the true firstborn child. A sacrifice had to be offered in the temple when a child was consecrated to the Lord. This feast day celebrates both the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, as well as the Purification of Mary, which was required by the Mosaic Law forty days after the birth of a child. The Presentation of Jesus in the temple can be linked with the Offering of the Sacrifice of Calvary that the Mass marks at all times and places. Luke 2:23–24 has the narrative of the presentation of our Lord .
• Victoria Okefe
‘It’s Catholics’ demonstration of total obedience’
Presentation is the act of bringing something or someone for a particular reason, like in Genesis 22; when Abraham presented and offered his son as a sacrificial lamb to God. Who is Jesus? Jesus is the second person in the Blessed trinity, who died for us on the Cross of Calvary to redeem mankind (Matthew 27:32-44). The presentation of Jesus can be traced to Luke 2:23 which states, “Every first born male that opens the womb shall be dedicated to the Lord,” with more facts in Luke 2:29 – 32. The reason why the presentation of Jesus at the temple is celebrated by the Catholic Church are: • It brings blessings to us and to our family. • It reflects on how he fulfills the old convenant, which is a sacrifice had to be offered in the temple when a child was consecrated to the Lord. What we can learn from this: Total obedience from Mary and Joseph to follow due process. They are not proud. They didn’t say, we can’t do this. It teaches us the virtue ofhumility and to be prayerful so that God will use us to bless someone.
• Anyasor Chibuike Raphael
