The feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on February 2, commemorates the obedience of the Blessed Virgin to the Mosaic Law, as she presented herself for purification 40 days after the birth of Christ and brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This feast is also known as Candlemas, because of the solemn blessing of candles that traditionally takes place on this day, symbolizing Christ as the “Light to enlighten the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).
Hagiographical Aspects of the Feast
While the feast primarily honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is also deeply connected to the lives of several saints who had a special devotion to the Purification or played a role in its historical observance. Below are some notable hagiographical connections:
1. St. Simeon the God-Bearer
St. Simeon, a just and devout man in Jerusalem, was promised by the Holy Ghost that he would not see death before he had seen the Christ (Luke 2:25-26). When the Holy Family entered the Temple, he recognized Jesus as the Messiah, took Him into his arms, and proclaimed the great canticle, the Nunc Dimittis:
“Now, O Lord, Thou dost dismiss Thy servant in peace, according to Thy word: because my eyes have seen Thy salvation” (Luke 2:29-30).
According to tradition, St. Simeon was a high priest and may have been among the scholars who had worked on the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament. Some traditions hold that he lived to an extraordinarily old age, having waited decades for the coming of Christ.
2. St. Anna the Prophetess
St. Anna (or Hannah) was an elderly widow who lived in the Temple, dedicating herself to fasting and prayer. When she beheld the Child Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about Him to those awaiting the redemption of Israel (Luke 2:36-38). She represents the soul who patiently awaits Christ and recognizes Him with joy.
3. St. Joseph
While St. Joseph does not speak in the Gospel account of the Purification, his silent role as the guardian of the Holy Family is deeply venerated. He ensures the fulfillment of God’s law, accompanying Mary and Jesus to the Temple in humility and obedience. His presence at this event foreshadows his role as the Protector of the Church.
Saints Who Promoted Devotion to the Purification
4. St. Lawrence of Brindisi (1559–1619)
A great preacher and Doctor of the Church, St. Lawrence of Brindisi wrote beautifully on the role of the Blessed Virgin and her perfect observance of the Law. He saw the Purification as a model of obedience and humility, teaching that Mary’s act of purification was unnecessary, yet she submitted to it as an example for all.
5. St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109)
St. Anselm, the great theologian, meditated on the Purification as a moment when the Virgin offered her divine Son for the salvation of the world, prefiguring His Passion and Sacrifice. He saw in her offering a sign of the New Eve, whose submission to God’s will undid the disobedience of Eve.
6. St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153)
St. Bernard, a great Marian doctor, reflected on the mystical significance of the candles blessed on this feast. He saw them as symbols of Christ, the Light of the world, but also as a reminder of Mary, who bore that Light within her womb and presented it to the world.
Theological and Spiritual Significance in Hagiography
The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary is often seen as a lesson in:
- Humility (Mary submits to a law she is not bound by)
- Obedience (The Holy Family fulfills the Law of Moses)
- Light and Redemption (Simeon and Anna recognize Christ as the awaited Savior)
Many saints have written about the Marian virtues reflected in this feast, urging the faithful to imitate Our Lady’s humility, purity, and obedience.
Devotional Practices and Hagiographical Traditions
- In the Middle Ages, Candlemas processions were widespread, with faithful carrying blessed candles in memory of the Light of Christ revealed at the Temple.
- Monastic saints, such as St. Gertrude the Great (1256–1302), had visions of the Purification, seeing it as a mystical moment of offering.
- The Franciscan and Dominican saints promoted Marian devotion, including special prayers and meditations on the Purification.
Conclusion
The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a feast rich in spiritual significance, reflected in the lives of many saints. Through their meditations and devotions, we see this feast as a moment of revelation, sacrifice, and obedience, calling all Christians to present themselves before God in purity and humility.