Spectacular: Candlemas in London

Canon Martin Edwards celebrated Candlemas (February 2) at the thriving St Mary Magdalene parish in Wandsworth, London. In the secularised Novus Ordo Church these rites have fallen into oblivion.

The blessing and distribution of candles was followed by a nocturnal procession along the roads of London and around the church. Among the participants in the procession was Canon Edwards' poodle.

At the end of Holy Mass, the priest and his assistants went to the crib at the back of the church and removed the Baby Jesus as a sign that the Christmas Tide had ended with Candlemas. The congregation was given the opportunity to kneel down and kiss Baby Jesus one last time.

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