The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is also known as Candlemas Day, celebrates, through the blessing and lighting of candles, that Christ is the light of the world. The day, which is celebrated February 2, commemorates the occasion, 40 days after the birth of Jesus, when the Blessed Mother, in accordance with Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem to be purified and to present her firstborn son to God.
On this day, it is traditional to bring candles to church to have them blessed. Those candles then may be lit throughout the year in times of joy or sadness as a reminder of God's abiding presence and love.