Forty days after the Nativity, according to the Law.
Now. Anna, a widow who did not leave the Temple, speaks of Him to those who looked for the redemption of Israel. The Presentation is why the Church blesses candles on 2 February.Then. Simeon takes the Child in his arms and says he may now depart in peace, because his eyes have seen the salvation prepared before the face of all peoples. He tells Mary that a sword shall pierce her own soul.
