FEAST OF PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TO TEMPLE

Image of St. Joachim and St. Anne offering a young child Mary to God in the Temple

By Edward Matulanya 

Here are the Overview,  Origin, Roles and significance of Feast of  Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic Church.

1. Overview of Feast of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a liturgical feast of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated each year on November 21. It commemorates the tradition that Mary, as a young child, was offered to God in the Temple by her parents, St. Joachim and St. Anne (Shoemaker, 2012). For example, Joachim and Anne dedicate Mary at the Temple much like parents today dedicate a child during a sacrament of baptism.

2. Origins of the Feast of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic Church

The feast began in the Eastern Church as early as the sixth century and gradually entered the Roman Church, becoming universal after Pope Sixtus V who included it in the Roman Calendar in 1585 (Holweck, 1911). For example, Byzantine monks celebrated the feast with vigils long before it reached Western Europe.

3. The Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary  in Apocryphal Christian Tradition

The story of Mary’s childhood dedication comes from the Proto evangelium of James, an early Christian apocryphal text (Elliott, 1993). It describes Mary being taken to the Temple at age three and growing up in prayer and holiness. For example, Mary climbs the temple steps unaided, symbolizing her readiness to serve God.

4. Reason for the Catholic Church Celebrates the Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary 

The feast honors Mary’s lifelong fidelity and her preparation to become the Mother of Jesus. The Church celebrates her early dedication because it expresses her total openness to God’s will (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1997).

5. Spiritual Meaning of Mary’s Dedication

Mary’s presentation symbolizes purity, obedience, and total consecration to God. For example, A person discerning religious life may pray to imitate Mary’s wholehearted offering.

6. Development of the Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary  in the Roman Liturgy

The celebration was officially promoted in the West after its adoption by the Avignon Papacy and formal approval by Pope Sixtus V (Holweck, 1911).

7. Role of Blessed Virgin Mary in Salvation History

Mary’s early life foreshadows her role as Theotokos the God-bearer and prepares her for the Annunciation. Understanding the role played by Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church included the reading and prayer of Blessed Virgin Mary in  Liturgical Celebration. For example, During Mass, readings and prayers highlight God’s favor toward the humble and faithful Blessed Virgin Mary. Also, Devotions to Blessed Virgin Mary  often include the Rosary, Marian hymns, and candlelight ceremonies.

8. Eastern and Western Traditions of celebrating the Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary 

In the East, the feast is called the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple and emphasizes mystery and divine appointment (Ware, 1997).

In the West, the focus is on Mary’s sanctity and dedication.

9. Significance of Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary for Religious Life

The feast is meaningful for those in consecrated life because Mary is seen as the model of total devotion. For example, Some religious communities renew their vows on November 21.

Reference

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Elliott, J. K. (1993). The Apocryphal New Testament: A Collection of Apocryphal Christian Literature in an English Translation. Oxford University Press.

Holweck, F. (1911). Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company.

Shoemaker, S. J. (2012). Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion. Yale University Press.

Ware, K. (1997). The Orthodox Church. Penguin Books.