Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Present of Mary Source: St. Michael Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary

On November twenty-first the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast finds its origins as early as the second century according to apocryphal source, the Protoevangelium or the book of James. This feast was already commemorated in the East by the sixth century. Pope Gregory XI heard of this feast being kept in Greece in 1372 and introduced it at Avigon. In 1585 Pope Sixtus extended to the universal Church.

This feast refers to Our Lady's presentation at the temple in Jerusalem as a small child. When she was only three years old, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem by her parents, St. Joachim and St. Anne. There she was taught, lived with other little girls and was cared for by pious women. The Blessed Virgin was happy to begin serving God in the Temple. Even as a little Child Mary's life was centered on God. She studied the Sacred Scriptures and awaited and hope for the coming of the Messiah. On this feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary let us ask Our Lady to help us to consecrate ourselves entirely to God.

For more information on the presentation of Mary, kindly click HERE for the following:

+ Short Prayer on the Presentation of Mary
+ Prayer on the Presentation of Mary
+ Hail Mary
+ Table Blessing for the Feasts of the Mother
of God
+ Ave Maria Dear
+ Salve Regina
+ A Single Branch Three Roses Bore
+ Stella Matutina
+ Virgin Blessed, Thou Star the Fairest
+ Beautiful, Glorious
+ Tis Said of Our Dear Lady
+ Mary Garden


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