The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The feast of the presentation of Mary dates back to the 6th century in the East and the 15th century in the West. It is based on an ancient tradition that says Mary was taken to the temple in Jerusalem when she was 3-years-old and dedicated to God. What we celebrate on this day is the fact that God chose to dwell in Mary in a very special way. In response, Mary placed her whole self at the service of God. Through our Baptism, God invites us to be open to his grace and dedicate yourself to him, as Mary did.

The first reading from the prophet Zechariah (2:14-17) proclaims “Sing, rejoice, daughter of Zion; for I am coming to dwell in the middle of you – it is the Lord who speaks.”In the Gospel (Matthew 12: 46-50) Jesus tells us that “Anyone who does the will of God” is his “brother and sister and mother.”

World Day of Cloistered Life (Pro Orantibus Day)

Catholics throughout the world are encouraged to support the cloistered and monastic life on World Day of Cloistered Life, November 21, the Memorial of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple.

Pope Pius XII first instituted this worldwide ecclesial event in 1953 to publicly recognize women and men who so generously give of themselves to this unique calling and who each day, from the various convents and monasteries spread throughout the world, offer prayer unceasingly. Pope St. John Paul II later expanded its celebration and encouraged Catholics to support this sublime vocation in any way possible.

Since his election, Pope Francis has highlighted the vital importance of cloistered contemplative life in the Church’s mission. In the recent Apostolic Constitution, Vultum Dei Quaerere, the Holy Father wrote that those who devote the whole of their lives to the contemplation of God “are a living sign and witness of the fidelity with which God, amid the events of history, continues to sustain His people.”