Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - November 21
Memorial
21 November
About the Feast
Commemorates the presentation of the Blessed Virgin as a child in the Temple where, according to tradition, she was educated.
The feast originated in the Orient probably about the 7th century and is found in the constitution of Manuel Comnenus (1166) as a recognized festival. It was introduced into the Western Church in the 14th century, abolished by Pope Pius V, but re-established by Pope Sixtus V in 1585. Its observance by the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the day of their origin led to the devotion of Mater Admirabilis.
Among the many masters who have represented this subject are: Alberti, Fra Bartolommeo, Biagio, Agostino, Carracci, Cima da Conegliano, Cossa, Holbein the Elder, Palma, Piombo, Tintoretto and Titian.
Patronage
in Italy
Passarella
Montebello Jonico
Santa Maria di Piave
Venice
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin (Memorial)
Mary Mother of the Church
Our Lady of Health
Our Lady of Peace
Our Lady of Quinche
Our Lady of the Impossible
Our Lady of the Presentation
—
Agapius of Caesarea
Amelberga of Susteren
Celsus the Martyr
Clelia Merloni
Clement the Martyr
Columbanus the Younger
Demetrius of Ostia
Digain
Eoin O’Mulkern
Gelasius I, Pope
Gelasius O’Cullenan
Heliodorus of Pamphylia
Hilary of Vulturno
Honorius of Ostia
Maria Franciszka Siedliska
Maurus of Cesena
Maurus of Porec
Nicholas Giustiniani
Reyes Us Hernández
Rufus of Rome
—
Martyrs of Asta – 3 saints
—
Aimone of Urtières
Colman Iomramha of Inishmore
Condedsus
Launo of Thouars
Leporio of Saint John Maurienne
Liberale of Embrun
Liberalis of Brive
Pappolus of Metz
Romeus of Llivia
Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church.
As with Mary’s birth, we read of Mary’s presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was three years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless.
Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.
Comment:
It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God's saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They, too, are temples of God and sanctified in order that they might enjoy and share in God's saving work.
Quote:
"Hail, holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house, and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God. Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unplowed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of motherhood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbor" (adapted from a homily by St. Germanus on the Presentation of the Mother of God).
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