[Magdalen] Are we down?

[Marion Thompson]

We also bring our household supply of candles to be blessed.

Marion, a pilgrim
On 1/31/2015 5:11 PM, Roger Stokes wrote:
> On 31/01/2015 21:28, Grace Cangialosi wrote:
>> OK, Scott, what is the blessing of the candles about?
>
> I'm not Scott but  traditionally at Candlemas candles (or a 
> representative sample of them) are blessed for use in church in the 
> following year - hence the title.  I am surprised that Ascension bless 
> then on the Eve rather than at Mass on the day, which is actually 
> Monday this year.  The name of the Feast with which some will be more 
> familiar is either the Purification of the BVM or the Presentation of 
> Christ in the Temple which is why it is 40 days after Christmas.
>
> Candles can also feature the next day, 3 February, which is the Feast 
> of St Blaise.  Those with a throat problem can have their throat 
> blessed at mass by the priest holding crossed candles in front of the 
> person's throat.  Neither event has any connection with furry rodents.
>
> Roger
>