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Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feast day: Nov 21
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- Saint of the Day
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- November 21
- Franciscan Media
Image: Presentation of Mary in the Temple | Alfonso Boschi | photo by sailko
Saint of the day for november 21.
The Story of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church.
As with Mary’s birth, we read of Mary’s presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was 3 years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless.
Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.
It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God’s saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They—we—too are temples of God and sanctified in order that we might enjoy and share in God’s saving work.
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The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
When Mary was asked to be the mother of the Savior, she was completely free to accept or reject the offer. Her response, “Let it be done to me,” was a great act of faith. Because she did not understand what was happening, she must have known that there would be difficulties ahead.
She replied yes to the angel's announcement and agreed to become the mother of Jesus, and the Church has declared Mary to be the Mother of God. Because she was the first to say yes to the Messiah, the Church has declared her to be the Mother of the Church.
The feast of the presentation of Mary dates back to the 6th century in the East and the 15th century in the West. It is based on an ancient tradition that says Mary was taken to the temple in Jerusalem when she was 3-years-old and dedicated to God. What we celebrate on this day is the fact that God chose to dwell in Mary in a very special way. In response, Mary placed her whole self at the service of God. Every moment since your Baptism, God invites you to be open to his grace and dedicate yourself to him, as Mary did.
from Saints and Feast Days , by Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio
Image credit: Presentation of Mary by Titian, 1538. Public Domain via Wikimedia.
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How Do We Know About the Presentation of Mary?
When we celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we give honor and respect to the Purest Virgin, who is an example for all of us in our struggle for holiness
Marge Fenelon, November 21, 2023 – National Catholic Register
It’s easy to conceptualize the Presentation of the Lord because we find it in Scripture. Luke’s Gospel tells of the Holy Family’s journey to the Temple when Jesus was 8 days old. According to Jewish custom, Jesus was to be circumcised and Mary purified. There Mary and Joseph meet the prophets Anna and Simeon, who recognized the Child as the Messiah who would bring about the fall and rise of many, become a sign of contradiction and the cause of a sword that would one day pierce Mary’s heart. We celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord annually on Feb. 2.
The Presentation of Mary, however, is not found in Scripture. Instead, we learn about Mary’s presentation from accounts that have come to us from apostolic times. What we know is found mainly in Chapter 7 of the Protoevangelium of James , which has been dated by historians before the year A.D. 200.
The Protoevangelium of James was ostensibly written by the apostle of the same name. It gives a detailed account in which Mary’s father, Joachim, tells his wife, Anna, that he wishes to bring their daughter to the Temple and consecrate her to God. Anna responds that they should wait until Mary is 3 years old so that she will not need her parents as much. On the agreed day for Mary to be taken to the Temple, Hebrew virgins accompanied the family with burning lamps. The Temple priest received Mary, kissed her, and blessed her. According to James’ writing, the priest then proclaimed, “The Lord has magnified thy name in all generations. In thee, the Lord will manifest his redemption to the sons of Israel.” After that, Mary was placed on the third step of the Temple and danced with joy. All the House of Israel loved Mary, and she was nurtured from then on in the Temple while her parents returned to their Nazareth home, glorifying God.
The celebration of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary grew slowly over the years. On Nov. 21, 543, Emperor Justinian dedicated a church to Mary in the Temple area of Jerusalem. Many of the early church Fathers celebrated this feast day, such as St. Germanus and St. John Damascene. In 1373, it was formally celebrated in Avignon, France, and in 1472, Pope Sixtus IV extended it to the universal Church. The Byzantine Church considers Mary’s Presentation one of the 12 great feasts of the liturgical year.
In 1974, Pope Paul VI wrote about this feast in his encyclical Marialis Cultus , saying, “despite its apocryphal content, it presents lofty and exemplary values and carries on the venerable traditions having their origins in the Eastern churches.”
The Memorial of the Presentation of Mary has been noted in the Church since its early years and yet is easily forgotten or misunderstood. Since it’s classified as a memorial and not a solemnity or holy day of obligation, it doesn’t draw much attention to itself other than a special opening prayer in the Mass. With this memorial, we celebrate the fact that God chose to dwell in Mary in a unique way. In response, she placed her whole self at his service. By our Baptism, God invites us, too, into his service.
But there’s more to celebrating the Presentation of Mary! This feast gives us cause for great joy since Mary is truly our Mother, given to us by Christ as he hung dying on the Cross. Because we are part of her Son’s body, she loves us with as much devotion and tenderness as she loves Jesus. When we celebrate Mary’s Presentation, we are giving Mary the honor she deserves and witnessing to her perfect purity as the Virgin of Nazareth, the Mother of God, and our Mother.
Sts. Joachim and Anne surrendered their only daughter to God so that she would be completely free to follow his holy will. Although they loved her dearly, they knew that in the Temple Mary would always be near the Holy of Holies, surrounded by an atmosphere of godliness and grace. She would be instructed in Scripture and the history of the Jewish people. She would be under the guardianship and tutelage of the holy women of the Temple who had given their lives to God. One of them, Scripture scholars believe, was Anna — the woman who prophesied at the Presentation of Our Lord. In the Temple, Mary would be completely focused on God and well prepared for becoming the Mother of the Savior and Mother of the Body of Christ.
When we celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we remember the tremendous sacrifice Sts. Joachim and Anne made for our sakes. We give honor and respect to the Purest Virgin, who is an example for all of us in our struggle for holiness. It is a privilege and an opportunity to express our gratitude for the gift of a pure, tender and always-loving Mother.
Marge Steinhage Fenelon is an award-winning author, international speaker, and professional life coach. She has written several books on Marian devotion and Catholic spirituality. As life coach, she is passionate about helping others grow personally and spiritually. Her podcast, Simply Holy, airs on many popular podcast platforms. Learn more about Marge at MargeFenelon.com .
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The Presentation of Mary
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The Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a special day in the Church. It celebrates when Mary, as a young child, was presented to God at the Temple by her parents, Saints Joachim and Anne. Though this the presentation of Mary is not found in the Bible, it comes from ancient Church tradition.
This feast is important because it shows Mary’s life was dedicated to God from the very beginning. From her conception, she was chosen to be the Mother of Jesus. The Presentation reminds us that Mary’s whole life was set apart for a special purpose.
In the Church calendar, this feast takes place on November 21. It has been celebrated for many centuries. By honoring this moment in Mary’s life, the Church also invites us to think about our own dedication to God.
The origins of this feast are found in writings from the early Church. One important source is the Protoevangelium of James , an ancient text from the second century. It tells the story of Mary’s parents bringing her to the Temple when she was three years old, where she stayed and grew in holiness. Over time, this story became part of the Church’s memory and tradition.
Mary’s Story: Tradition and Faith
The story of the Presentation of Mary comes from ancient tradition. It is not found in the Bible, but it is based on writings from the early Church. One important source is the Protoevangelium of James , an early Christian text from around the second century. This book tells us that Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, took her to the Temple when she was three years old. There, they presented her to God as a sign of their gratitude.
In the Jewish tradition, it was common for parents to dedicate their children to God. This custom was part of the faith of Israel, especially for families who had received a special blessing from God. Saints Joachim and Anne had prayed for many years to have a child, and when Mary was born, they wanted to offer her life back to God. This is the root of the Presentation story.
The Protoevangelium of James says that Mary stayed in the Temple after her parents presented her. She was raised in the Temple and spent her time in prayer and learning about God. This story highlights Mary’s early commitment to God’s will, even as a small child. It shows that she was prepared by God for her special role in salvation history.
While this story is not part of Scripture, it has been embraced by the Church. It helps us understand more about Mary’s early life and her deep connection to God. Over the centuries, this tradition became part of the Church’s teaching about Mary’s holiness and her special mission as the Mother of Jesus.
Mary’s Yes: A Life for God
The Presentation of Mary is more than just a story about her childhood. It shows us the beginning of Mary’s role in God’s plan for salvation. From the very start, Mary was set apart for a special mission. Her presentation at the Temple reminds us that God had chosen her to be the Mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
The Presentation marks the beginning of Mary’s total dedication to God. Even as a young child, Mary gave her life to God. This dedication would continue throughout her life, especially when she said “yes” to becoming the Mother of Jesus at the Annunciation. Her “yes” to God’s will was complete, from her early years to her final moments on earth.
Mary’s purity and obedience to God are shown in her Presentation. She was free from sin from the moment of her conception, a special grace given to her by God. Her obedience is seen in the way she followed God’s plan without hesitation. She trusted God completely, even when she didn’t know all the details. This trust began in her childhood and remained strong throughout her life.
The Presentation also highlights Mary’s unique relationship with God. She was chosen to carry Jesus in her womb, to nurture Him, and to share in His mission. From the very beginning, Mary had a special place in God’s plan. Her life was marked by grace, purity, and a deep connection to God. Through her example, we learn how to say “yes” to God and live a life dedicated to His will.
Following Mary’s Example
The Presentation of Mary shows us her complete trust in God. From a young age, she gave her life to God without holding back. This trust continued throughout her life, especially when she agreed to be the Mother of Jesus. Mary always believed that God’s plan was best, even when it was difficult. Her life teaches us to trust God with everything, knowing He will guide us.
We can follow Mary’s example by living with the same trust and commitment to God’s will. In our daily lives, we face choices and challenges. Like Mary, we are called to say “yes” to God, even when we don’t understand the full picture. Her example encourages us to listen to God’s voice and to follow Him with faith.
Devotion to Mary helps us grow in holiness. When we honor her and ask for her prayers, she leads us closer to Jesus. Mary’s life was centered on Jesus, and she helps us do the same. By following her example and asking for her help, we grow in our love for God.
Consecrating ourselves to Mary is an important step in spiritual growth. It means giving our lives to Jesus through Mary, trusting that she will help us become more like her Son. Many saints have encouraged this practice because they knew how powerful Mary’s help can be. When we give ourselves to her, she brings us closer to Jesus and helps us live holy lives.
Honoring the Presentation of Mary Today
The Church celebrates the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on November 21. This feast is remembered during Mass with special prayers that honor Mary’s dedication to God. The readings reflect Mary’s role in God’s plan and her importance in the Church. It is a day to reflect on how her life was fully given to God from the very beginning.
Many Catholics also celebrate this day with devotions to Mary. These include praying the Rosary, offering personal prayers, and reflecting on the virtues of Mary. In some places, processions are held, with people carrying statues or images of Mary as a sign of their love and devotion. These processions are a way for the faithful to publicly honor Mary and ask for her intercession.
In religious communities, especially those dedicated to Mary, this feast is often marked with special prayers and acts of consecration. Some people choose this day to consecrate or renew their consecration to Mary, giving their lives to Jesus through her. This act of devotion is a way to follow Mary’s example of complete trust in God’s plan.
Honoring Mary’s Presentation is important because it reminds us of her unique role in the Church. As the Mother of Jesus, she is a model of holiness for all believers. By celebrating this feast, we acknowledge her role in salvation history and her ongoing presence in the life of the Church. She continues to guide and pray for us, leading us closer to her Son.
Mary’s Life of Dedication
The Presentation of Mary is a reminder of how her life was given to God from the very beginning. Her parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, brought her to the Temple as a young child, offering her to God in gratitude. Even though this story isn’t found in the Bible, it is part of the Church’s tradition and shows how special Mary’s role was in God’s plan.
Mary’s dedication to God didn’t start with the Annunciation when she said “yes” to being the Mother of Jesus. It began even earlier, from the moment of her presentation. She was set apart for God’s purposes, and her life was shaped by trust in God’s will. Her example shows us that every life, from the start, has a purpose and can be dedicated to God.
In our own lives, we can follow Mary’s example by offering ourselves to God. Just like her, we might not always know what God’s plan is, but we can trust that He has a special purpose for us. Mary teaches us that saying “yes” to God, even in small things, leads us closer to Him and helps us grow in holiness.
The Presentation of Mary also reminds us to trust God, even when we don’t understand. Her complete faith in God, from her childhood to the end of her life, shows us how to follow God’s plan without fear. In our daily lives, we face challenges and decisions. Like Mary, we can choose to trust that God will guide us in every step.
Reflection Questions
- How can I dedicate more of my life to God’s will, like Mary did?
- Are there areas in my life where I find it difficult to trust God’s plan?
- How can I ask for Mary’s help in growing closer to Jesus?
Daily Mass Readings for the for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- First Reading – Zechariah 2:14-17 : The Lord will come to live among his people, and many nations will join him. Silence before the Lord, for he has risen from his holy place.
- Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1 : My soul praises God for his great works. He lifts the humble, fills the hungry, and remembers his promise of mercy to Israel and all generations. His Name is holy forever.
- Gospel – Matthew 12:46-50 : When Jesus was told that his mother and brothers were outside, he pointed to his disciples, saying that anyone who follows God’s will is his true family.
From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. “Full of grace”, Mary is “the most excellent fruit of redemption” ( SC 103): from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life. Catechism of the Catholic Church 508
Social Media Graphics for the Presentation of Mary
Questions and Answers about the Presentation of Mary
What is the Presentation of Mary?
The Presentation of Mary is when, according to tradition, Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, brought her to the Temple as a child to dedicate her to God. This event is celebrated by the Church every year on November 21.
Is the Presentation of Mary found in the Bible?
No, the story of the Presentation of Mary is not in the Bible. It comes from early Church tradition, especially from a text called the Protoevangelium of James .
Why is the Presentation of Mary important?
The Presentation of Mary is important because it shows her complete dedication to God from a young age. It reminds us that Mary’s life was fully given to God’s will, preparing her to be the Mother of Jesus.
How does the Church celebrate the Presentation of Mary?
The Church celebrates the Presentation of Mary with special prayers and readings at Mass on November 21. Many Catholics also pray the Rosary or take part in devotions honoring Mary on this day.
What does the Presentation of Mary teach us?
The Presentation of Mary teaches us about trusting God and giving our lives to Him. Mary’s early dedication to God shows us how to follow God’s plan and live a life of holiness.
What is the Protoevangelium of James?
The Protoevangelium of James is an ancient Christian text that tells stories about Mary’s early life, including her Presentation at the Temple. Although it’s not part of the Bible, it has been important in shaping Christian tradition.
How can we honor the Presentation of Mary?
We can honor the Presentation of Mary by praying to her, reflecting on her life, and following her example of trust and obedience to God. Some people also choose to consecrate themselves to Mary on this day.
What are the Mass readings for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
First Reading – Zechariah 2:14-17 : Rejoice, Daughter Zion Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1 : God’s Greatness Gospel – Matthew 12:46-50 : True Family of Christ
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a special day celebrated by the Church on November 21. This feast remembers the tradition of Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, bringing her to the Temple as a child. They dedicated her to God’s service, showing that her life was meant for a special mission.
Though this story is not found in the Bible, it comes from ancient Church tradition, especially the Protoevangelium of James . This early text explains how Mary was given to God and stayed in the Temple, where she grew in holiness. Her Presentation shows her early trust and dedication to God’s plan.
Theologically, the Presentation reveals Mary’s role in salvation history. It reminds us that her life was fully given to God, preparing her to become the Mother of Jesus. Mary’s purity and obedience to God’s will began in her childhood, and her example is a model for all Christians.
Today, the Church celebrates this feast with Mass and special prayers. Many Catholics also honor Mary with devotions, such as the Rosary. The Presentation of Mary is a reminder of her unique role in the Church and invites us to imitate her complete trust in God.
As we reflect on the Presentation of Mary, let us look at how we can dedicate our own lives to God. Mary’s example shows us the importance of trust and obedience to His will. Take time to pray and think about how Mary’s life can inspire your faith. Share your thoughts and experiences about honoring Mary in the comment section below. How has devotion to Mary helped you in your spiritual life? Your story could inspire others on their journey of faith!
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The Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple: Historical Origins
CV NEWS FEED // Every November 21, the Catholic Church commemorates the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple, though the history of the feast is quite rocky.
According to tradition, Mary’s parents brought her to the Temple to consecrate her to God. The feast honors the devotion of Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, and also honors Mary’s purity. The Church also sets aside a specific feast honoring Joachim and Anne on July 26 every year.
The Church’s historical knowledge of the feast dates back to the apocryphal gospels, which the Church does not consider to be part of the canon of scripture. A legend in the Protoevangelium of James (from the 2nd century) tells the story of a three-year-old Mary visiting the temple in Jerusalem, where her parents dedicated her to the service of God and to consecrated virginity. Joachim and Anne consecrated her in fulfillment of a promise they made to God following their long struggle with childlessness.
However, the feast ultimately signifies Mary’s lifelong devotion to God and her own sacredness as a vessel for the Son of God.
“The Church wants to emphasize not so much the historical event in itself, of which there is no trace in the Gospels, but the total gift that Mary made of herself,” stated Vatican News .
The celebration was first documented in the Byzantine Catholic Church in the 11th century but was purportedly celebrated beginning in the sixth century. Pope Gregory XI introduced it into the Roman Catholic Church in the 15th century. However, some monasteries likely celebrated the feast in the 9th century, and in the 6th century, Emperor Justinian I dedicated the Basilica of Saint Mary the New in Jerusalem in honor of Mary’s presentation in the temple.
In the mid-16th century, Pope Pius V removed the feast from the calendar, only for Pope Sixtus V to add it back in 1585.
The church also celebrates World Day of Cloistered Life on November 21, a feast that Pope Pius XII began in 1953.
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