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Friday 21 November 2025
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Christ is the son of Mary: come, let us adore him.
Year: C(I). Psalm week: 1. Liturgical Colour: White.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In unity with Eastern Christianity, and commemorating the dedication in 543 of the New Basilica of Saint Mary, built next to the Temple at Jerusalem, this feast celebrates Mary’s “dedication” of herself to God from her infancy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, whose grace had filled her ever since her immaculate conception.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50
At that time: While Jesus was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers and sisters stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers and sisters?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers and sisters! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’
Reflection on the painting
oday's feast of Mary’s presentation in the temple celebrates her lifelong dedication to God. From the very beginning, Mary was set apart for God’s purposes, and this commitment prepared her to become a living temple far greater than the magnificent temple in Jerusalem! While the Jerusalem temple was revered as the place where God dwelt in a special way, Mary herself became the vessel through whom God entered the world. Her womb was the temple to bring Jesus into the world.
When we hear the term “presentation” in a religious context, we often think of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, which is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and celebrated on 2nd February. However, today, we honour the memorial of the Presentation of Mary. This observance, which dates back to at least the eighth century, commemorates Mary’s dedication to God from a young age. She responded fully to God’s will, making her ready to become the temple of God’s Son when the time came. We, too, are invited to follow God’s will, so that, like Mary, we might carry the Lord’s presence to others.
When we hear the term “presentation” in a religious context, we often think of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, which is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and celebrated on 2nd February. However, today, we honour the memorial of the Presentation of Mary. This observance, which dates back to at least the eighth century, commemorates Mary’s dedication to God from a young age. She responded fully to God’s will, making her ready to become the temple of God’s Son when the time came. We, too, are invited to follow God’s will, so that, like Mary, we might carry the Lord’s presence to others.
Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple,
Painted by Pietro Testa (1611-1650),
Painted between 1641-43
Oil on canvas, 323 x 226 cm
© The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Christ is the son of Mary: come, let us adore him.
Year: C(I). Psalm week: 1. Liturgical Colour: White.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In unity with Eastern Christianity, and commemorating the dedication in 543 of the New Basilica of Saint Mary, built next to the Temple at Jerusalem, this feast celebrates Mary’s “dedication” of herself to God from her infancy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, whose grace had filled her ever since her immaculate conception.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50
At that time: While Jesus was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers and sisters stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers and sisters?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers and sisters! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’
Reflection on the painting
oday's feast of Mary’s presentation in the temple celebrates her lifelong dedication to God. From the very beginning, Mary was set apart for God’s purposes, and this commitment prepared her to become a living temple far greater than the magnificent temple in Jerusalem! While the Jerusalem temple was revered as the place where God dwelt in a special way, Mary herself became the vessel through whom God entered the world. Her womb was the temple to bring Jesus into the world.
When we hear the term “presentation” in a religious context, we often think of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, which is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and celebrated on 2nd February. However, today, we honour the memorial of the Presentation of Mary. This observance, which dates back to at least the eighth century, commemorates Mary’s dedication to God from a young age. She responded fully to God’s will, making her ready to become the temple of God’s Son when the time came. We, too, are invited to follow God’s will, so that, like Mary, we might carry the Lord’s presence to others.
When we hear the term “presentation” in a religious context, we often think of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, which is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and celebrated on 2nd February. However, today, we honour the memorial of the Presentation of Mary. This observance, which dates back to at least the eighth century, commemorates Mary’s dedication to God from a young age. She responded fully to God’s will, making her ready to become the temple of God’s Son when the time came. We, too, are invited to follow God’s will, so that, like Mary, we might carry the Lord’s presence to others.
Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple,
Painted by Pietro Testa (1611-1650),
Painted between 1641-43
Oil on canvas, 323 x 226 cm
© The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg