Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: November 21
The Catholic feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on November 21, commemorates the moment when Mary, as a young child, was presented by her parents, Joachim and Anne, in the Temple of Jerusalem. According to tradition, this event marks Mary’s dedication to God and her consecration for a special role in salvation history. While not directly recorded in the Bible, the story of the Presentation is based on ancient Christian writings, such as the Protoevangelium of James. This early text suggests that Mary’s parents, who had long been childless, vowed to dedicate their child to God in gratitude for the miracle of her birth.
The feast is an important reminder of Mary’s deep faith and her unique relationship with God. Her presentation symbolizes her own surrender to God’s will, preparing her for her role as the mother of Jesus Christ. In a broader sense, the feast celebrates the sanctity of all consecrated life, as it invites the faithful to reflect on the call to holiness and the offering of one’s life to God. It also emphasizes the importance of parents’ role in nurturing their children in faith, a call to offer children to God and trust in His plan for them.
The feast of the Presentation of Mary is celebrated with prayers, processions, and special liturgies, honouring her as the first among the saints who exemplified perfect obedience and trust in God’s divine plan.