On February 2, forty days after Christmas, the Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord, also called Candlemas: Mary and Joseph bring the child Jesus to the Temple, where Simeon recognizes him as “a light to the revelation of the Gentiles.” Candles are blessed and carried in procession, and since 1997 the day is also the World Day for Consecrated Life. In 2027 February 2 falls on a Tuesday. Below are three complete sets of Prayers of the Faithful for the Presentation of the Lord.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer. (Or: Christ, our light, hear our prayer.)
How to use these intercessions
The priest introduces the Universal Prayer and says the closing prayer; a deacon or reader announces the intentions (GIRM 69–71). The readings are the same every year: the Lord coming to his Temple (Malachi 3), Christ made like his brothers (Hebrews 2) and the Presentation (Luke 2).
Set 1: For the parish Mass
Priest: With Simeon and Anna, who waited for the Lord, let us bring our prayers to God.
- For the Church, that she may carry the light of Christ into every corner of the world, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all nations, that they may come to know Christ, the light of the peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the elderly, who like Simeon and Anna wait for the Lord with faith, that they may be honored and cared for, let us pray to the Lord.
- For parents who present their children to God in baptism, that they may raise them in faith, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that the candles blessed today may remind us that we are called to be light for others, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died, that like Simeon they may depart in peace and see God’s salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Father, your Son was presented in the Temple as the light of the nations. Hear our prayers, and let his light shine in our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 2: World Day for Consecrated Life
- For religious sisters, brothers and priests, consecrated virgins and members of secular institutes, that they may be faithful and joyful witnesses of the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
- For consecrated men and women who serve the poor, the sick and the young, that God may bless their work, let us pray to the Lord.
- For elderly and sick religious, that they may be cared for with love, let us pray to the Lord.
- For young people, that they may hear and answer God’s call to consecrated life, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 3: For children
- Jesus, you are the light of the world. Help us to shine with your love. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Bless our grandparents, like Simeon and Anna, who love Jesus. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Bless all babies and their moms and dads. Lord, hear our prayer.
- Help the sisters and brothers who give their lives to God. Lord, hear our prayer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Presentation of the Lord called Candlemas?
Because candles are blessed and carried in procession on this day, recalling Simeon’s words that the child Jesus is the light of the nations.
Is the Presentation of the Lord a holy day of obligation?
No. It is a feast, celebrated on February 2 each year.