Blessing of Candles Forty days following his birth, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in accordance with the Law of Moses to offer a sacrifice of two turtledoves. (Luke 2:22-40.) On that day divine light began to shine in a world darkened by sin. The joint Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place on February 2, also known as Candlemas Day. Candles are symbolic of the incarnate Christ - the beeswax is a symbol of his pure body, the wick his soul, and the flame his divinity. A blessed candle is a reminder of the Light of Christ which was handed to our godparents and parents at our Baptism. It is a symbol of how we are to keep the light of Christ burning brightly to dispel the darkness of evil. Blessed candles can be lighted in times of tragedy, crisis, or sickness as a helpful reminder of God’s presence amongst us. Traditionally Catholics light the blessed candle during a strong storm, like a hurricane, invoking the power of God to protect their home. And, on a practical level, the candle will be useful if the power goes out. Every Catholic home should have a set of blessed candles to remind all who live there that Jesus, the Light of the World, dwells in their home. The blessing of throats on the Feast of St. Blaise is an ancient custom of the Church rooted in the ministry of Christ and his apostles. The annual blessing of throats on the Feast of St. Blaise (Feb. 3) is a traditional sign of the struggle against illness in the life of the Christian. The blessing asks for protection against illnesses of the throat and all other illnesses. A general blessing of throats will be given on at all Masses the weekend February 3rd and 4th.