images of the presentation of the blessed virgin mary

AI generator

Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary royalty-free images

280 presentation blessed virgin mary stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download..

EWTN News, Inc. is the world’s largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the Catholic Church.

• National Catholic Register
• News Agencies
• Catholic News Agency
• CNA Deutsch
• ACI Afrique
• ACI Digital
• Digital Media
• ChurchPOP Español
• ChurchPOP Italiano
• ChurchPOP Português
• EWTN News Indepth
• EWTN News Nightly
• EWTN Noticias
• EWTN Pro-life Weekly
• Register Radio

Get HALF OFF the Register!

National Catholic Register News https://www.ncregister.com/cna/photos-discover-8-beautiful-images-of-the-virgin-mary-in-st-peter-s-basilica

• Synod on Synodality
• Most Popular
• Publisher’s Note
• College Guide
• Commentaries
• Culture of Life
• Arts & Entertainment
• Publisher's Note
• Letters to the Editor
• Support the Register
• Print subscriptions
• E-Newsletter Sign-up
• EWTN Religious Catalogue

PHOTOS: Discover 8 Beautiful Images of the Virgin Mary in St. Peter’s Basilica

‘Virtual tour’ for the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church

To honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Vatican offers a special Marian pilgrimage within St. Peter’s Basilica each Saturday afternoon during the month of May.

The Marian itinerary brings pilgrims from the moving marble sculpture of Michelangelo’s Pietà to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a 12th-century painting brought into the basilica in 1578 in a solemn procession.

For those unable to travel to the Eternal City, CNA is providing the following “virtual tour” of eight beautiful images of Our Lady in St. Peter’s Basilica for the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church.

In St. Peter‘s Basilica’s Chapel of the Choir, a large mosaic based on a painting by Italian artist Pietro Bianchi depicts Mary, Virgin Immaculate, in the glory of heaven being venerated by St. John Chrysostom (left) and other saints. | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

  Virgin Immaculate

In the basilica’s Chapel of the Choir, a large altarpiece reveals Mary, Virgin Immaculate, in the glory of heaven above angels and saints. The mosaic, based on an 18th-century painting by Italian artist Pietro Bianchi, depicts St. John Chrysostom St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Anthony of Padua venerating the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The chapel can be found on the left side of the basilica behind an iron gate designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. St. John Chrysostom is buried beneath the altar, which also contains relics of St. Francis and St. Anthony. 

When Pope Pius IX declared the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary on Dec. 8, 1854, he had a golden crown added to the mosaic of Mary. Pope Pius X later added a larger diamond crown to mark the 50th anniversary of the declaration in 1904.

The original painting by Bianchi can be found in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

Mother of the Church

St. Peter's Basilica contains an icon of the Virgin Mary titled ‘Mater Ecclesiae,’ which means ‘Mother of the Church.’ | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

The basilica contains an icon of the Virgin Mary titled Mater Ecclesiae , which means “Mother of the Church.”

The original image of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child was painted on a column in old St. Peter’s Basilica, built by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. It was later transferred to the 16th-century St. Peter’s Basilica. Paul VI honored the icon with the title Mater Ecclesiae after the Second Vatican Council.

The icon can still be seen above one of the basilica’s side altars in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Column, which also contains the remains of  Pope St. Leo the Great (440-461). 

A mosaic of the Virgin Mary overlooking St. Peter’s Square was inspired by the original Mater Ecclesiae image. The mosaic was installed after the assassination attempt against St. John Paul II in 1981.

When he blessed the mosaic, John Paul II prayed “that all those who will come to this St. Peter’s Square will lift up their gaze towards you [Mary], to direct, with feelings of filial trust, their greetings and their prayers.”

In 2018, Pope Francis added the memorial of “Mary, Mother of the Church” to the liturgical calendar for the Monday after Pentecost.

Mother of Pilgrims

A restored 16th-century painting of Our Lady holding her Son can be found in St. Peter’s Basilica above the sarcophagus of Pope Gregory XIV under the title ‘Mother of Pilgrims.’ | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

A restored 16th-century painting of Our Lady holding her Son can be found in St. Peter’s Basilica above the sarcophagus of  Pope Gregory XIV. 

The image is titled Mater Peregrinorum (Mother of Pilgrims). The original artist is not known, but Italians also refer to the painting as the Madonna di Scossacavalli because it came from Rome’s Church of San Giacomo Scossacavalli, which was demolished in 1937 to create the current Via della Conciliazione leading to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

A 12th-century painting on wood titled Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Gregorian Chapel of St. Peter's Basilica | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

A 12th-century painting on wood titled Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Succor, was transferred to an altar in St. Peter’s Gregorian Chapel on Feb. 12, 1578, with a solemn procession.

The painting was the first artistic restoration completed under Pope Francis’ pontificate during the Year of Faith, according to a book published by the Knights of Columbus. 

The remains of the doctor of the Church St. Gregory of Nazianzus (d. 390) are preserved in an urn beneath the Altar of Our Lady of Succor in the Gregorian Chapel, found on the right side of the basilica.

Ark of the Covenant

A mosaic altarpiece of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple can be found above the tomb of Pope St. Pius X near the left-front entrance of the basilica. | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

A colorful mosaic altarpiece of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple brightens the wall above the tomb of Pope St. Pius X (d. 1914) in the Presentation Chapel near the left-front entrance of the basilica.

A young Mary is depicted on the steps of the Temple with her parents, Sts. Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus.

The mosaic completed by Pietro Paolo Cristofari in 1728 is based on a painting by 17th-century artist Giovanni Francesco Romaneli, the original of which can be found in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

Gate of Heaven

According to Father Agnello Stoia, the pastor of the parish of St. Peter’s Basilica, the 15th-century image of Mary on the oldest door of St. Peter’s Basilica is a reminder of Mary’s title Gate of Heaven. | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

The central door leading to basilica was retained from the old St. Peter’s Basilica and is known as the Filarete Door. Created by a Florentine artist in 1455, the door depicts Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the apostles Sts. Peter and Paul.

According to Father Agnello Stoia, the pastor of the parish of St. Peter’s Basilica, the 15th-century image of Mary on the door is a reminder of Mary’s title of Gate of Heaven.

Queen Assumed Into Heaven

The mosaics decorating the interior dome of St. Peter's Basilica depict the Blessed Virgin Mary next to Christ the Redeemer and the apostles. | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Looking up at the soaring cupola, or dome, of St. Peter’s Basilica, one sees mosaics depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary next to Christ the Redeemer, along with St. John the Baptist and the apostles. 

The mosaic of the Virgin Mary on the Great Dome, completed in 1610 by Orazio Gentileschi, is based on drawings by Italian Mannerist painter Giuseppe Cesari.

Mother of the Redeemer

Michelangelo's Pietà conveys the faith and emotion of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she cradles in her arms the dead body of her only Son after witnessing him crucified. | Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Michelangelo Buonarroti carved the Pietà from a single slab of Carrara marble when he was 24 years old. The sculpture was unveiled in St. Peter's Basilica for the Jubilee of 1500.

The moving sculpture conveys the faith and emotion of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she cradles in her arms the dead body of her only Son after witnessing him crucified. 

The sculpture sits above a side altar near the front entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Mass was sometimes offered before recent restrictions. Visitors to the basilica can only see the Pietà behind bulletproof glass after a man attacked the sculpture with a hammer in May 1972. 

The Pietà was the only work of art that Michelangelo ever signed.

• month of mary
• mary, mother of the church
• Related Stories
• Latest News

Seeking ‘Mama Mary’

PHOTO ESSAY: The Blessed Mother Always Leads Us to Her Son

Encountering the Blessed Virgin: Sacred Art Prompts Prayer

ARTIST PROFILE

‘Mary Was Integral in Drawing Me Closer to Her Son’

Painter captures the Blessed Mother and the Holy Family in her art.

‘May With Mary’ in the Vatican Gardens

PHOTO ESSAY: Throughout the month of May, the Vatican Gardens is open to pilgrims from around the world for a special tour in honor of the Blessed Mother.

Will This Marian Apparition Visionary from Wisconsin Be Canonized?

The cause for Adele Brise’s canonization moves ahead

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Marches Through Brutal Heat Wave to Bring Jesus to the People

The four pilgrimage groups — currently in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Nebraska — will converge in Indianapolis on July 16 in time for the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17–21.

Pope Francis Fields Questions From 12 Students About Gender Identity and LGBTQ Discrimination

In the one-hour conversation on June 20 organized by Loyola University’s Building Bridges Initiative, Pope Francis spoke directly to students from across the Asia-Pacific region.

San Diego Catholic Charities Struggles With Security Risks After Accusation of ‘Smuggling’

For years, San Diego Catholic Charities has offered immigrant services in the Diocese of San Diego.

3 Ways the Devil Sneaks Into Your Life and How to Fight Back, Facing the Storms of Life, and More Great Links!

The Best In Catholic Blogging

The Ten Commandments Are for Everyone

It is unfortunate that one of humanity’s most basic recognitions of natural law should create division.

What Is the Unforgivable Sin, 5 Powerful Marian Prayers, St. John Chrysostom Homily on 2 Corinthians, and More Great Links!

Us bishops to draft document on transgender people in religious life, father reidy goes to washington — as supreme court clerk, ticket to oblivion, ‘bishop of rome’: a theologically fruitful clarification of the church as a communion of believers, vatican’s ddf charges archbishop viganò with canonical crime of schism, rejecting pope francis, cause for canonization advances as national eucharistic pilgrimage arrives at wisconsin marian shrine, ‘the whole world is waking up’: anti-porn age verification laws see sweeping success nationwide, where is one of the world’s largest censers in virginia, at christendom college, a modern-day prodigal: the redemption story of venerable matt talbot, a friendship forged in faith: remembering al kresta’s legacy, subscription options.

Subscriber Service Center Already a subscriber? Renew or manage your subscription here .

Subscribe and Save HALF OFF! Start your Register subscription today.

Give a Gift Subscription Bless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register.

Order Bulk Subscriptions Get a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization or school.

Sign-up for E-Newsletter Get Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox.

• Catholicism
• Religious Catalogue
• Give Monthly
• 1-800-447-3986
• [email protected]
• See of Peter
• Daily Mass and Readings
• Seasons and Feast Days
• Traditional Latin Mass
• Prayer Requests
• EWTN News Nightly
• EWTN Pro-Life Weekly
• EWTN News In Depth
• The World Over
• National Catholic Register
• Catholic News Agency
• Weekly Schedule
• Channel Finder
• Listen Live
• Audio Archive
• Monthly Schedules
• Podcast Central
• Galaxy 33 Transmission Plan
• SW Frequency Guide
• SW Monitoring Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• EWTN Religious Catalogue
• My Giving Account
• Ways to Give
• Mother Angelica
• Online Learning Series
• EWTN Everywhere
• Media Missionaries
• Privacy Policy
• International Satellite Feeds

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Religious parents never fail by devout prayer to consecrate their children to the divine service and love, both before and after their birth. Some amongst the Jews, not content with this general consecration of their children, offered them to God in their infancy, by the hands of the priests in the temple, to be lodged in apartments belonging to the temple, and brought up in attending the priests and Levites in the sacred ministry. It is an ancient tradition, that the Blessed Virgin Mary was thus solemnly offered to God in the temple in her infancy. This festival of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, or, as it is often called by the Greeks, the entrance of the Blessed Virgin into the Temple, is mentioned in the most ancient Greek Menologies extant.

By the consecration which the Blessed Virgin made of herself to God in the first use which she made of her reason, we are admonished of the most important and strict obligation which all persons lie under, of an early dedication of themselves to the divine love and service. It is agreed amongst all masters of Christian morality, that everyone is bound in the first moral instant of the use of reason to convert his heart to God by love; and if divine faith be then duly proposed to him (which is the case of Christian children) by a supernatural assent to it, he is bound then to make an act of faith; also an act of hope in God as a supernatural rewarder and helper, and an act of divine charity. Who can be secure that in the very moment in which he entered into his moral life and was capable of living to God, did not stain his innocence by a capital omission of this duty? How diligent and solicitous are parents bound to be in instructing their children in the first fundamental mysteries of faith, and in the duty of prayer, and in impressing upon their tender minds a sense of spiritual things in a manner in which their age may be capable of receiving it. These first fruits of the heart are a sacrifice of which God is infinitely jealous, an emblem of which were all the sacrifices of first fruits prescribed in the old law, in token that he is our beginning and last end. Such a heart, adorned with the baptismal grace of innocence, has particular charms. Grace recovered by penance is not like that of innocence which has never been defiled; nor is it the same happiness for a soul to return to God from the slavery of sin, as for one to give him her first affections, and to open her understanding and will to his love before the world has found any entrance there. The tender soul of Mary was then adorned with the most precious graces, an object of astonishment and praise to the angels, and of the highest complacence to the adorable Trinity, the Father looking upon her as his beloved daughter, the Son, as one chosen and prepared to become his mother, and the Holy Ghost as his darling spouse.

Her first presentation to God, made by the hands of her parents and by her own devotion, was then an offering most acceptable in his sight. Let our consecration of ourselves to God be made under her patronage, and assisted by her powerful intercession and the union of her merits. If we have reason to fear that we criminally neglected this duty at the first dawning of our reason, or, if we have since been unfaithful to our sacred baptismal engagements, such is the mercy and goodness of our gracious God, that he disdains not our late offerings. But that these may be accepted by him, we must first prepare the present he requires of us, that is, our hearts. They must be washed and cleansed in the sacred laver of Christ's adorable blood, by means of sincere compunction and penance; and all inordinate affections must be pared away by our perfectly renouncing in spirit, honours, riches, and pleasures, and being perfectly disengaged from creatures, and ready to do and suffer all for God, that we may be entirely his, and that neither the world nor pride, nor any irregular passion may have any place in us. What secret affections to this or that creature lurk in our souls, which hinder us from being altogether his, unless they are perfectly cut off or reformed! This Mary did by spending her youth in holy retirement, at a distance from the commerce and corruption of the world, and by the most assiduous application to all the duties and exercises of a religious and interior life. Mary was the first who set up the standard of virginity; and, by consecrating it by a perpetual vow to our Lord, she opened the way to all virgins who have since followed her example. They, in particular, ought to take her for their special patroness, and, as her life was the most perfect model of their state, they ought always to have her example before their eyes, and imitate her in prayer, humility, modesty, silence, and retirement.

Mary lived retired until she was introduced into the world and espoused to St. Joseph. Some think her espousals were at first only a promise or betrothing: but the ends assigned by the fathers, seem rather to show them to have been a marriage. These are summed up by St. Jerome as follows: that by the pedigree of Joseph, the descent of Mary from the tribe of Juda, might be demonstrated; that she might not be stoned by the Jews as an adulteress; that, fleeing into Egypt, she might have the comfort and protection of a spouse. A fourth reason, says St. Jerome, is added by the martyr Ignatius: that the birth of the Son of God might be concealed from the devil. The words of that apostolic father are: "Three mysteries wrought by God in silence were concealed from the prince of this world. the virginity of Mary, the bringing forth of her Son, and the death of the Lord." Not that God could fear any impediment to his designs from the devil; but he was pleased to effect these mysteries in silence and without worldly show and noise, that pride and hell might, by his all-wise and sweet providence, be more meetly triumphed over, whilst the devil himself hastened his own overthrow by concurring to the mystery of the cross. From the marriage of the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, St. Austin shows that marriage requires no more than the mutual consent of the will between parties who lie under no impediment or inability to an indissoluble individual society of life. In this holy marriage we admire the incomparable chastity of Mary and Joseph; and the sanctity and honour, as well as the patronage and example, which that holy state receives from this mystery. In certain particular churches the espousals of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph are honoured with an office on the 23rd of January.

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Dedication of the Mother of God

Prisma/Getty Images

• Holy Days and Holidays
• Beliefs and Teachings
• Christianity Origins
• The New Testament
• The Old Testament
• Practical Tools for Christians
• Christian Life For Teens
• Christian Prayers
• Inspirational Bible Devotions
• Denominations of Christianity
• Christian Holidays
• Christian Entertainment
• Key Terms in Christianity
• Latter Day Saints

• M.A., Political Theory, Catholic University of America
• B.A., Political Theory, Michigan State University

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated every year on November 21, commemorates (in the words of the Liturgy of the Hours, the daily prayer of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church) "that dedication of herself which Mary made to God from her very childhood under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who filled her with grace at her Immaculate Conception ." Also known as the Dedication of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the feast originated in the East, where it is called the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos Into the Temple.

Quick Facts

• Date: November 21.
• Type of Feast: Memorial.
• Readings: Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 19:11-28 ( full text here )
• Prayers: The Hail Mary
• Other Names for the Feast: The Dedication of the Blessed Virgin Mary; The Presentation of Mary; The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos Into the Temple

History of the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

While the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was not generally celebrated in the West until the 11th century, it appears in most of the earliest calendars of the Eastern Churches. Derived from accounts in apocryphal literature, especially the Protoevangelium of James , the feast seems first to have appeared in Syria, where the Protoevangelium and other apocryphal books, such as the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew , originated. The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary first rose to prominence, however, in Jerusalem, where it was associated with the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New.

That basilica was built near the ruins of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the Protoevangelium of James and other apocryphal works told the story of Mary's presentation at the Temple at the age of three. In gratitude for being granted a child after years of infertility, Mary's parents, Saints Joachim and Anna , had vowed to dedicate Mary to the service of God at the Temple. When they presented her at the Temple at the age of three, she stayed willingly, showing her dedication to God even at that young age.

The Presentation and the Protoevangelium of James

The Protoevangelium of James, while an extrabiblical document, is the source of many details of Mary's life that became universally accepted by the Church, including the names of her parents, the story of her birth , her age at her betrothal to Saint Joseph, and Saint Joseph's advanced age and his status as a widower with children by his first wife. It also played a large role among Christians, both Eastern and Western, in recognizing Mary as the new Temple, the true Holy of Holies. When Mary left the Temple at the age of 12 after her betrothal to Joseph, she remained pure and chaste, and at the Annunciation , God came to dwell in her.

The Spread of the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary first made its way to the West through monasteries in Southern Italy in the ninth century; by the 11th century, it had spread to other locales but was by no means universally celebrated. Under the influence of a French nobleman, Philippe de Mazières, Pope Gregory XI began celebrating the feast during the Avignon papacy.

Pope Sixtus IV first placed the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the universal calendar in 1472, but in the Tridentine reform of the calendar in 1568, Pope Pius V removed the feast. It was restored 17 years later by Pope Sixtus V and remains in the Roman calendar today as a memorial.

• When Is the Virgin Mary's Birthday?
• The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• How Long Did Jesus Live on Earth?
• Meditations on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
• Introduction to the Catholic Religion: Beliefs, Practices, and History
• The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
• The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• A Prayer to Saint Anne, Mother of Mary
• Who Is the Virgin Mary?
• The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
• Did Virgin Mary Die Before Assumption?
• The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
• Is New Year's a Holy Day of Obligation?
• Is There Evidence that the Virgin Mary Existed?

• Asia - Pacific
• Middle East - Africa
• Apologetics
• Benedict XVI
• Catholic Links
• Church Fathers
• Life & Family
• Liturgical Calendar
• Pope Francis
• CNA Newsletter
• Editors Service About Us Advertise Privacy

Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feast day: Nov 21

Latest news

Pope Francis: Building peace requires ‘taking a risk’

Seeing the Eucharist through the eyes of 10 saints

Lawsuit: Los Angeles Co. Fire Dept. ‘retaliated’ against Christian employee who refused to raise Pride flag

Caribbean Cardinal Kelvin Felix dies at 91

New Filipino bishop of the Pacific’s Cook Islands hopes to ‘spiritually nourish’ his people

This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of June

Feast of Corpus Christi: Lebanon celebrates 199 years of miraculous Eucharistic event

Another elderly pro-life activist sentenced to two years in prison

Texas Supreme Court upholds law outlawing abortion even in so-called ‘hard cases’

Catholic bishop: Biden admin ‘subverted’ pro-family policy by mandating abortion leave

• Event Calendar
• Mass & Confession Schedules
• Online Mass

Light a Candle

• Hours & Location
• The Basilica's Blog
• Virtual Tours

• Rector’s Welcome
• Historical Events
• History & Heritage
• Art & Architecture
• Liturgy & Sacraments

Watch Mass Online

• Sacred Music
• Enrollments & Devotionals
• Request a Prayer
• Upcoming Events
• Mary's Shrine Newsletter
• Plan Your Visit
• Pilgrimages
• Sunday Livestream Support
• General Donation
• More Ways to Support
• Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi
• Mass and Confession Schedule
• Visiting Clergy
• Come & Experience
• History of Basilica Music
• Instruments
• See & Hear
• History Timeline
• Interactive Map
• Submit a Pilgrimage Request
• Upcoming Pilgrimages
• Request a Tour
• Suggested Itineraries
• Virtual Tour
• Hours & Location
• Past Events
• Address Labels
• Devotional Books
• Memorial Hall & Registry
• Prayer Cards
• Request a Seasonal Enrollment
• Shrine Prayer Guild
• Shrine Rosary
• Spiritual Enrollment Cards
• Annual Fund
• Fiscal Year End
• Seasonal Giving
• Become a Member
• Renew Your Membership
• Shop Online
• Media Inquiries
• Stay Connected
• Photo Policy
• Private Property
• Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Preparing to Become the Mother of God

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. The LORD will possess Judah as his portion in the holy land, and he will again choose Jerusalem. Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD! He stirs forth from his holy dwelling. Zechariah 2:14-17

When did the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary originate?

The celebration of the feast is believed to have originated in 543 with the dedication of a basilica built by the Emperor Justinian to honor Mary. The first documented celebration of the feast was in an 11th-century calendar of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II. Pope Sixtus IV extended its celebration to the universal church in 1472.

In the 1974 encyclical Marialis Cultus, n.8, Pope Paul VI wrote that the feast , “Despite its apocryphal content… presents lofty and exemplary values and carries on the venerable traditions having their origins in the Eastern churches.”

The Feast of the Presentation demonstrates that Mary led a contemplative life as well as an active one. According to tradition, she spent her early years in service to God, which prepared her for her role in the story of Divine Redemption.

Prayer for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As we venerate the glorious memory of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession, that we, too, may merit to receive the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Email Login

Subscribe to CE (It’s free)

• CE in the News
• Apologetics & Education
• Art & Culture
• Culture of Life
• Food & Travel
• The Blessed Virgin Mary
• Marriage & Family
• Prayer & Spirituality
• Spiritual Warfare

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the Old Testament, we read how Samuel and others were dedicated to God at an early age by their parents. They were presented at the temple to live there with the priests and be educated and brought up consecrating their lives to God. According to tradition, there were lodgings in the temple where women, also, were housed while they devoted themselves to the divine service in the temple. It is our ancient Catholic tradition that our Blessed Mother, Mary, while still an infant, was also offered to God by her parents and presented at the temple. This is what we celebrate as “The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The Greeks refer to this festival as the entrance of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the temple.

Our Lady herself, in her first moment of reason, consecrated herself to God, as all Christians are called to do. Every baptized Christian is bound at their moment of reason to dedicate their lives to God; however, unfortunately, so few do. We live in an age of self-love instead of love of God and willingness to live for Him. We owe Him everything, yet many never think of Him, much less thank Him or give Him credit or glory for our works. However, of ourselves, we can do nothing and the good works that we do are His and not our own.

The Blessed Mother spent her youth avoiding occasions of sin, keeping herself pure and holy. She carefully watched over her soul, always in prayer to the Father to help her. By making a vow of virginity to God, she led the way for other women to follow her example of purity. She remained in the Temple and thus was separated from the world until her marriage to St. Joseph.

Lessons from the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Page 2

Lessons from the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Our own consecration of ourselves to God should be done under our Blessed Mother’s patronage, as she set the perfect example of piety and holiness. Let us turn to her for assistance, asking her intercession that we might be pleasing to God in our efforts to live for Him.

Mother Mary, pray for us that we may overcome all the distractions and lures of the world that would turn us away from holiness. Keep us close to your Immaculate Heart, dear Mother, and protect us from the snares of the evil one who is ever trying to entrap our souls. We ask this in the name of your Holy Son, Jesus. Amen.

By Saints Editor

Adeodatus | The Renewal of Catholic Education feat. Dr. Alex Lessard

The Vocation of Consecrated Virginity | feat. Mary Beth Bracy

Modern Miracles at Lourdes | feat. Marlene Watkins

Most shared, today on catholic exchange.

Is it Possible to "Reason" a Non-Believer into Faith?

Praying for Priests Who Leave, Defending Those Who Stay

Technology Distracts From Our Natural Religiosity

Catholic Alternatives to Pride Month

An American Pilgrimage: Two Realms of Citizenships

© Copyright 2024 Catholic Exchange. All rights reserved.

Catholic Exchange is a project of Sophia Institute Press .

Advertise on Catholic Exchange Design by Perceptions Studio .

Privacy Policy

Design by Perceptions Studio .

• Books and Art
• Catechetics
• Dating & Singles
• Faith & Spirituality
• Health & Spirituality
• Marriage & Family
• Media & Culture
• Money & Economics
• Lives of Saints
• Same Sex Attraction
• Science and Discovery

• About/Vocations
• Contact/Visit
• Doctrinal Beliefs
• Feature Articles
• Current Issues in the Church
• Salvation and the Church
• «Ad Rem» A Fortnightly Email Message from the Prior
• Catholic America
• Apologetics
• Arts and Culture
• Women’s Vocations
• Men’s Vocations

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, the father and the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, presented her to God in the Temple, to live there and to belong to God forever, when she was three years, two months and thirteen days old.  Saint Joachim and Saint Anne sensed in the Blessed Virgin Mary from the moment of her birth that she was divinely great, and belonged to God and not to them.  When her father and her mother brought Mary to the Temple of Jerusalem and presented her there, Saint Zachary, a priest of the Temple and the father of Saint John the Baptist and the husband of Saint Elizabeth, received her.  He took her by the hand and led her into the cloister of virgins who dwelt in the Temple.  There she stayed, adored God and prayed until she was fourteen years old.  Then her first espousals to Saint Joseph were miraculously arranged by God, so as to give her a virginal husband to protect her in her virginal motherhood when she conceived her Divine Child and brought God into this world.

Presentation of Mary, by the Master of Wilten, between 1460 and 1465 ( source )

Share this:

• Share on Tumblr

Saints of the Day

• Saint Florence (Florentina) (636)
• Saint Silverius (538)
• Last Possible Date for Trinity Sunday

News Headlines

• Controlling the Catholic Narrative?
• Br. Joseph Dutton, Veteran Turned Alcoholic Turned Convert, now a ‘Servant of God’
• The Pope’s pose as scientific ‘expert’
• Be prepared for another ‘long hot summer’
• Pope Francis may visit United States in September after UN invitation

Site development: Bonaventure