Feast of the Presentation of Mary

Our Lady in the Vatican Basilica Presentation of Mary at the Temple 1213 (2002) The Presentation of Mary is based upon non-Biblical, apocryphal writings (such as the Gospel of the Nativity of Mary and Pseudo-Matthew). These writings and tradition suggest that at the age of three Mary was presented by her parents (Joachim and Anne) because of a vow taken on her behalf to have her educated at the Temple in Jerusalem as the future Mother of God. This liturgical feast is recalled both in Latin and Greek traditions and in the latter, it is referred to as “The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos [Mother of God or God-Bearer] into the Temple.” The feast appears to have originated in the East and by the 12th to 14th centuries became better-known. There are parallels between this feast and the Old Testament account of the prophet Samuel whose mother Hannah brought him to the Temple as an offering to God (1 Samuel: 24-28). The Presentation order of sisters is an institute established in Ireland in 1775. It provided education for young girls and is now located in 24-countries around the world. References: • Presentation of Mary Entry in the Catholic Encyclopedia • Presentation Sisters Entry in Wikipedia Article Links: • James C. Hamilton, “Mosaics on Vatican City Stamps,” Vatican Notes, Vol. 65, No. 371 p. 12-29 (esp. Page 18) (2017)