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From as early as the fourth Century, the Catholic Church has celebrated on this day one of the most ancient feasts of Our Lady, to commemorate Her ritual Purification and the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. The feast has traditionally been celebrated with the blessing and procession of candles, to signify that Christ has come as the Light of the World.
As so many Catholics are suffering both interiorly and physically for the Faith in these grave times, we have posted up some consoling words that were given by Our Lady, in private revelation, to the female mystics St. Bridget of Sweden and Ven. Mary of Agreda.
They bear upon the mystery of Our Lady's sufferings, which were prophesied by Simeon at the Temple, with the words: ''And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed'' (Lk 2:35). As you will see, they also provide an answer to the lawlessness of these times; whilst offering consolation to the weary of heart.
As a couple of the sentences from each of the revelations seem so particularly apposite, we have depicted these in bold type below. Our prayer is that, taken together, these words will bring you encouragement and renewed strength to carry the present Cross with Jesus.
Take heart: if you are suffering with and for the Church right now, then you can be consoled in the knowledge that you love Christ with a love that is more than mere sentiment. Remember, too, that we love Christ because He has first loved us. These are graces to be very thankful for on this great feast. Let us offer it all up for the coming Triumph of the Immaculate Heart!
St. Bridget of Sweden (1307 - 1373 AD)
The Blessed Virgin said to St. Bridget: I did not need purification, like other women, because my Son who was born of me, made me clean. Nevertheless, that the Law and the prophecies might be fulfilled, I chose to live according to the Law. Nor did I live like worldly parents, but humbly conversed with the humble. Nor did I wish to show anything extraordinary in me, but loved whatever was humble.
On that day (of the Purification) my pain was increased. For though by divine inspiration I knew that my Son was to suffer, yet this grief pierced my heart more keenly at Simeon's words. And until I was assumed body and soul into Heaven, this grief never left my heart, although it was tempered by the consolation of the Holy Spirit of God. Let not, then, this grief leave thy heart, for without tribulation few would reach Heaven.
Ven. Mary of Agreda (1602-1665 AD)
And to Ven. Mary of Agreda: My daughter, the doctrine and example contained in this Mystery will teach thee to strive after the constancy and expansion of heart by which thou mayest prepare thyself to accept blessings and adversity, the sweet and the bitter, with equanimity.
How persistently the human heart forgets that its Teacher and Master has first accepted sufferings, and has honoured and sanctified them in His own Person!
Remember the sorrow that pierced my heart at the prophecies of Simeon, and how I remained in peace and tranquility, even though my heart and soul were transfixed by a sword of pain.
Seek ever to preserve inward peace.
Full of trust in me, whenever tribulation comes over thee, fervently exclaim:
The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?
We wish all of our readers a blessed and holy Feast of Candlemas!
