We had such a beautiful day today. I mean really beautiful.
February 2, in addition to being a birthday, is the feast of the Presentation (the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the traditional calendar), Candlemas day. Traditionally, the priest will bless candles for the faithful on this day. Then there is a procession.
The kids, mom, and I were so blessed to be able to attend the Extraordinary Form of the Holy Mass (Latin) today in Townsend. St. Francis of Assisi parish is where Father Shelton is pastor.
If you ever have the chance to attend a mass in the traditional form, I highly recommend it. So beautiful, so much, well, tradition and richness. It was very moving. It began with the traditional candle blessing and procession followed by Holy Mass.
We processed around the church grounds following the blessing of the candles.
The Proper of the Saints describes the procession:
"The procession on this day is one of the most picturesque features of the Western Liturgy. The blessing and distribution of candles, to be carried lighted in the procession, precedes the Mass today - a symbolic presentation of the truth proclaimed in the Canticle of Simeon: our Lord is the "Light for the revelation of the Gentiles" "
These pictures are from the inside of St. Francis. It was cold and snowing outside, you'll have to wait for warmer weather for outside pictures.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
The sanctuary.
Somehow I missed getting a picture of the Blessed Mother window.
O Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
After we got home from mass we had a Feast of the Presentation Tea. (credit to Alice Gunther at Cottage Blessings
We have done this every year for the past four years. It is one of our favorite days.
Almost everything on the table is a symbol of something from the gospel account of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple.
Can you see Simeon holding the baby Jesus and crying with joy?
This picture, which I love, is by Ron DiCianni. It's called Simeon's moment.
Lantern idea is credited to Waltzing Matilda.
Danny thought the tea was wonderful (at least the whipped cream part).
It was his "thank you, God" tonight.
I was so thankful for a beautiful feast day.
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