|"Presentation of the Virgin at the|
Temple" (detail) by Il Sodoma at
the Oratory of San Bernardino
There are three different documents that tell about how when Saint Mary was a little girl, she was taken to the temple by her parents to be educated about godly things. This was to fulfill a promise that Mary’s mother, Anna, had made when she and Joachim were still childless. This feast gives us a chance to celebrate the gift of holiness that God gave to Mary. She willingly offered her own body to serve as a temple for God Incarnate (Jesus).
Pope Benedict XVI declared this feast day to be Pro Orantibus Day, or “For Those Who Pray” Day. Today, the whole church is encouraged to pray for cloistered religious brothers and sisters, who live apart from the rest of us so that they can spend their days constantly in prayer. These brothers and sisters are incredibly important to the Church, so while you enjoy a favorite dinner today, be sure to pray for them.