Pastoral visit to Rockaway parish
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February 6, 2020
BEACON PHOTO | JOE GIGLIFEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Bishop Serratelli blesses the candles held by the congregation with Holy Water during his pastoral visit to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Rockaway. During his visit, the Bishop celebrated the vigil Mass Feb. 1 to mark the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 40 days after the birth of Jesus. It is also known as Candlemas Day, since the blessing and procession of candles is often included in that day’s liturgy.Bishop Serratelli celebrates Mass for Feast of the Presentation of the Lord during pastoral visit to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in RockawayROCKAWAY Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church here where he celebrated the vigil Mass Feb. 1 to mark the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 40 days after the birth of Jesus. It is also known as Candlemas Day, since the blessing and procession of candles is often included in that day’s liturgy. In keeping with the biblical significance of the number 40 and with Jewish custom, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, presented him in the temple in Jerusalem. Also marked was the Feast of St. Blaise with the traditional blessing of throats. The blessing is given by touching the throat of each person with two candles blessed on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which have been joined together in the form of a cross.
