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February 1, 2015 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 501 NW 25th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97330 Phone 541-757-1988 Fax 541-757-2788 St. Mary’s Catholic Church St. Mary’s Parish Information EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR PRIESTS: 541 758-2401 PASTORAL OFFICE/STAFF……….....541-757-1988 Pastor, Fr. Ignacio Llorente……………..…….....x 306 [email protected] Parochial Vicar, Fr. Federico Pinto……….……..x 312 [email protected] Newman Center……………....(541) 752-6818 Deacon, Rev. Mr. Chris Anderson…... (541) 745-7728 [email protected] Deacon, Rev. Mr. Francis Potts………(541) 768-5566 [email protected] Pastoral Associate, Barb Anderson………..……..x 305 [email protected] Hispanic Ministry, Ina Hecker…………..………..x 316 [email protected] Religious Ed Coord, Sr. Dorothy Radoli ………..x 314 [email protected] Admin. Asst. Mónica P. Schlechter…………..…..x 301 [email protected] Admin. Asst. Lynette Martin………………….....x 304 [email protected] Bookkeeper, Valerie Hadder………………….....x 309 [email protected] Business Manager, Jeannette Blevans………..….x 310 [email protected] Maintenance, Al Begin………………………..…..x 311 [email protected] LITURGICAL SCHEDULE Daily Mass: 8 a.m. (T-TH-F) 6 p.m. (W) Communion Service: 8 a.m. (M) Confessions: Saturday 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday 5-5:45 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Mass: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. 1 p.m. (Spanish) 8 p.m. during the academic year

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Page 1: 2/1/15 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 1, 2015 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

501 NW 25th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97330 Phone 541-757-1988 Fax 541-757-2788

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

St. Mary’s Parish Information EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR PRIESTS: 541 758-2401

PASTORAL OFFICE/STAFF……….....541-757-1988

Pastor, Fr. Ignacio Llorente……………..…….....x 306 [email protected]

Parochial Vicar, Fr. Federico Pinto……….……..x 312 [email protected] Newman Center……………....(541) 752-6818

Deacon, Rev. Mr. Chris Anderson…... (541) 745-7728 [email protected]

Deacon, Rev. Mr. Francis Potts………(541) 768-5566 [email protected]

Pastoral Associate, Barb Anderson………..……..x 305 [email protected]

Hispanic Ministry, Ina Hecker…………..………..x 316 [email protected]

Religious Ed Coord, Sr. Dorothy Radoli ………..x 314 [email protected]

Admin. Asst. Mónica P. Schlechter…………..…..x 301 [email protected]

Admin. Asst. Lynette Martin………………….....x 304 [email protected]

Bookkeeper, Valerie Hadder………………….....x 309 [email protected]

Business Manager, Jeannette Blevans………..….x 310 [email protected]

Maintenance, Al Begin………………………..…..x 311 [email protected]

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Daily Mass: 8 a.m. (T-TH-F) 6 p.m. (W)

Communion Service: 8 a.m. (M)

Confessions: Saturday 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday 5-5:45 p.m.

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m.

Sunday Mass: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. 1 p.m. (Spanish) 8 p.m. during the academic year

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“SPEND AN HOUR WITH ME” PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Hours Needing Adorers

Monday 1 a.m. - 2 a.m. -- 11 p.m. - Midnight

Friday 1 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. - noon

It is not necessary to make a permanent commitment. Please consider taking one of these hours on a temporary basis. Contact John Kleinhenz at (541) 207-7185.

Mass Intentions

Monday Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 [22-32]

Tuesday Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26b-28, 30-32; Mk 5:21-43

Wednesday Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Ps 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Mk 6:1-6

Thursday Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Ps 48:2-4, 9-11; Mk 6:7-13

Friday Heb 13:1-8; Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9; Mk 6:14-29

Saturday Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Ps 23:1-6; Mk 6:30-34

Sunday Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; Ps 147:1-6; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Prayer and Worship

Confirmation Tuesday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m.

First Holy Communion Sunday, May 17

during the 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Masses

February 2 8 a.m. Communion Service

February 3 8 a.m. +E. George McCracken Jr

February 4 6 p.m. +Edward G. McCracken Sr

February 5 8 a.m. +Edward G. McCracken Sr

February 6 8 a.m. +Edward G. McCracken Sr

February 7 8 am 5 p.m.

Chloe Mark +E. George McCracken Jr

February 8 7 a.m. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.

Adele Woerz Schaal Family +Dick Paradis Ruby Eliana Acevedo Leiva +Dominic Schlundt

Prayer Requests :

Arturo David for faith and health; Brik Davis for healing; Bob Schaefers for Parkinsons; Lu Oryshchyn for lymphoma; Tina Kimmell for cancer, Barbara Breaux; Daniela S-K and Wilhelm Paul for faith and peace; Anthony Redmond for health; Pam Lennon for health, Margarita Carranza Arteta for healing; Helen & Norman Domagala for healing; Maxine Rainbolt for healing, Elie Angeles Montoya for recovery and health; Lucila Romero Carrasco for health; Comunidad EME, Hugo Lizana, Patricia Vicencio, Mary Flinn Rathman peace and healing, Ted Gregg, Regina Runnion for healing, Virginia Oliveros, Angelica Marizol Cruz Pablo; Connie Jaszkowiak for healing. Jamison Challeen for health; Millie Solla de Valdes for healing, Carlos Acevedo Acevedo for health, Juan Eugenio and Chabela Pino Gonzalez for health and confort; Nelly Valdebenito for health; Luis Alberto Sanchez for peace and health; Jeff Minus for inoperable brain cancer; Carlos Rodriguez Pajares for a stroke recovery.

The prayer requests will be listed for only three months. Please call the Office if you would like a name listed or added back in.

Men's Ministry Breakfast

Come join us for an inspiring talk and delicious breakfast! Saturday, February 7, 7-8:30 a.m. in the Gathering Area, Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Come hear Br. Andre Love, OSB speak to us on "Seeking an Authentic Christian Life." From tattoo artist to Benedictine monk--learn more of Br. Andre and his intriguing story from a feature article appearing in the Statesman Journal at qpsalem.org/faith-enrichment/mens-ministry.

Back by popular demand! Fresh-made biscuits with sausage gravy, seasoned scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and more! Come join your friends and Catholic brothers for an inspiring morning. All men are welcome, no matter your faith background. Questions or for more information, call Bryce 503-364-7202 Ext 205 or [email protected].

Need Prayers? Need Prayers? Need Prayers? Struggling with illness in your family? Looking for a job? Parishioners are ready to pray with you after weekend Masses, by the Tabernacle, every week.

Altar Server Trainings The trainings for this month are:

Tuesday, February 3 Wednesday, February 11

Thursday, February 19

We meet from 4-5 p.m. in the church. For more information call John Tacke at (541) 758-4663

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Faith Formation

FIRST RECONCILIATION FOR CHILDREN

Parents with children is the First Holy communion class are requested to bring their children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a reception following this sacrament.

REMINDERS:

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:

2/4/15 Sacrament of First Reconciliation, 6:30 p.m in the church ( reception following) 3/15/15 Parent meeting in the Aquinas room at 10:30 a.m. For First Holy Communion

CONFIRMATION:

2/8/15 Class 8 2/21/15 Parent/Sponsor Meeting in USH at 10 a.m. 2/22/15 Class 9 4/10-12/15 Confirmation Retreat at Fr. Bernard Youth Ctr

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

The Knights of Columbus are in need of Confirmation youth to offer service hours to help at their Crab Feed preparation on Saturday, February 7, from 5-8:30 p.m. Please contact Don DeMello 541-602-4013 [email protected]. We look forward to many teens showing up to make this day a success.

TO HELL AND BACK: How Dante’s Inferno can Deepen Your Faith

And Free You from Fear Class by

Deacon Chris Anderson

Mondays: 7 - 8:30 p.m., Classroom 1 St. Mary’s Church

The Class Monday February 2 is cancelled. Please come to Fr. Federico’s Reception.

Veritatis Splendor Catholic Book Club meets every second Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Siena Room.

For February 8, members selected Anthony Esolen's new book, Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching. Chapters include teachings of the Church on Marriage and on Family; Esolen concludes the book by explaining how the most holy Eucharist must be at the heart of the Church's social teaching.

In February, we will bring suggestions for March/April reading. Call Shirley Twining (541-929-2782) for more information or join us for interesting discussions.

St. Mary's Playgroup Are you a parent or caregiver to a child age newborn to 5 looking for a play-based group to be a part of? If so, come join us in the Nursery from 9:30-10:30 a.m. every Tuesday (except school holidays). Come once or every week.

We would love to meet you!! If you would like to join o u r e m a i l l i s t , p l e a s e c o n t a c t R o s i e Jordan, [email protected].

Do You Have Talents or Abilities to Share?

Then come to a Catholic Daughter meeting and learn how you can live your faith with love, serving the Church and Community.

We have many different projects and charities we support locally and nationally. We support our youth, Newman college students and seminarians throughout Oregon. Come and see how life can be enjoyable and personally enriching for women of faith.

Our next Catholic Daughter meeting is on February 12, at 7 p.m. in the Upper Social Hall.

Have any question or want to know more, please contact: Kathie Huerta-Enochian at 541-752-8514.

St. Nicholas Circle will meet for lunch on Thursday, February 5 at 1 p.m. at Flat Tail Pub, 202 SW 1st Street. For information call Shirley at 541-758-2710 or Carol at 541-752-7123.

We thank St. Mary’s parishioners for their donations to the Poor Fund. Many of you donated to the Giving Tree, brought toys and food for the Christmas gift baskets, and helped assemble and deliver donations. You helped 951 families, including 3,445 family members! Each child under 12 received two new toys, a book, stuffed animal, and stocking stuffers, plus a board game or puzzle to involve their entire family. Special thanks go to Amy Adamski for managing the Giving Tree, and to Christine Duffney, executive director of Vina Moses, for overseeing this project, as she has done for many years. The need was great, but you all stepped up.

The Poor Fund Board

Join us in our Farewell Dessert Reception

for Fr. Federico Pinto

on Monday, February 2 at 7 p.m. in the gym.

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Parish Life

COME and SEE All College Students are invited to the FRAGUA course. Explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Each night includes a free dinner, live music, a great talk, and a lively and sincere discussion about the talk. Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at OSU Valley Football Center. To register visit osunewman.org

CONFIRMATION College students who are interested in being confirmed are invited to join us for Confirmation preparation at the Newman Center. Meetings will be held every Thursday 6:30-7:30 p.m. beginning on February 5 and ending May 4. Please register at osunewman.org

6th Annual Crab Feed and Charity Auction

Planning is well underway for this fun charity event. Save the date: Saturday, February 7, 2015. Ticket sales are now open please go to www.communitycrabfeed.com.

Your help is needed now, please, we need donations for the charity auction. Large items or smaller gift basket items or whole basket packages are needed. To donate please contact: Don DeMello 541-602-4013 or [email protected] Gary Beck 541-752-6616 or [email protected]

Pennies for Heaven (PFH) Collection and K of C Membership Drive Feb 28/Mar 1

Each year the K of C councils of Oregon raise money to help Mt. Angel Abbey with the costs of educating new priests and other seminaries through the national K of C Christopher Fund (CF). 50% of all funds collected go directly to Mt. Angel and a portion of the other half returns to Oregon from the CF.

St. Mary’s will have a second collection the weekend of Feb. 28/Mar. 1 after all Masses.

In addition the KC’s will be conducting a membership drive in memoriam of Dick Paradis. We look forward to the generous support of this great Parish.

State PFH Chair – Patrick Rausch

Junior Catholic Daughters will meet February 8 (12:15 – 2:00 p.m.) in the Siena Room to cut/sew fleece blankets for the Pastega House.

Call Irene at 541-207-4817 if you have any questions.

Juniorettes will meet February 13 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) to make hair bows and ribbons for the girls at Casa DeAngelas orphanage and to make Valentine cards.

La colecta Centavos para el Cielo (PFH) y Membresía de Caballeros de Colón es el 28 de febrero / 1 de marzo. Cada año el Consejo de los Caballeros de Colón de Oregon recaudan dinero para ayudar a la Abadía de Mt Ángel con los costos de la educación de nuevos sacerdotes y otros seminarios con el Fondo nacional de los C de C Christopher (CF). 50% de todos los fondos recaudados van directamente a Mt Angel y una parte retorna a Oregon de la CF.

Santa María tendrá una segunda colecta del fin de semana del 28 de febrero / marzo 1 después de todas las misas.

Además los Caballeros de Colón llevarán a cabo una campaña de afiliación en memoria de Dick Paradis. Esperamos el apoyo generoso de esta gran parroquia.

Presidente Estatal de PFH - Patrick Rausch

ARCHBISHOPS CATHOLIC APPEAL

Most past contributors to the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal will receive a mailing form Archbishop Sample within the next few days. At all Masses next weekend, additional information will be provided in the bulletin insert. Appeal funds are used to help fund Archdiocesan offices and agencies that assist the parishes and their people. In addition, part of the funds are used to assist retired archdiocesan priests and seminarian education.

The theme of the 2015 Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal is “Teach, Bless, Serve.” As you consider the amount you can pledge to help these ministries, please reflect on the following:

Contributing to the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal is one concrete way to “Teach, Bless, Serve”. Take a moment to honestly examine all the God-given blessings in your life and then ask not yourself, but ask God: “What is just?” By our baptism and our confirmation in the Catholic church, each of us is called to serve as a good shepherd. We’re called not only to follow Christ but to be Christ.

Please pray for the Lord’s guidance as you consider the above reflections, and please give generously according the blessing God has given you. More information is available online for download at Http://www.archdpdx.org/appeal.

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Parish Life St. Mary’s Church Library

Sunday 10-12 pm; Monday 10-1 pm Tuesday 1-3 pm

New Children's Books: The Story of Mary The Guardian Angels, Our Protectors The Boy Jesus, The Perfect Child Children of God (stories of the first-century church,

Jesus' return to Heaven, etc) Plan and Do Projects (MANY project ideas in the

library for crafts/catechesis) Stories to Learn By U Got to Believe (Fr. Stan Fortuna explains why to

teens, using the Catechism, title, and common sense)

7 Secrets of the Eucharist (Vinny Flynn) A Biblical Walk Through the Mass (Edward Sri)

Need volunteer hours? Stop by the library to see how you can help!

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

The Archdiocese has just learned that the IRS is delayed in issuing IP-PINs. Thus, you may not receive an IP-PIN during this tax season, even though you had a background check performed in connection with service for the Archdiocese, a parish or school. The IRS will continue to issue IP-PINs on a rolling basis. If you have received an IP-PIN, you must use it to file your taxes. If you have not received an IP-PIN, IRS advises that the best way to protect yourself is to file your taxes early. IRS apologizes for the delays and the confusion it has caused. The FAQs posted in the Archdiocese’s website are being revised accordingly and will be updated on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

If you have questions, please contact the IRS Identity Protection Special Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Please do not contact the Archdiocese or your parish or school. Neither the Archdiocese nor your parish or school has any further information on the issuance of IP-PINs.

Benton County Right to Life is inviting all students ages kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in the Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation Drawing and Essay Contests. “WE ARE THE PRO-LIFE GENERATION" is the theme for the 2015 Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation Drawing and Essay contest.

First place winners of the drawing and essay contests at the local level will be eligible for the state competition. State winners will be announced at the Oregon Right to Life Conference in Portland, Oregon on April 11.

"WE ARE THE PRO-LIFE GENERATION" Drawing Contest Division and Rules: Drawings should incorporate contest theme. All artwork must be original, and must be on paper no larger than 8.5" x 11". Collages are considered original artistic expressions. Age groups: K; 1-2 grade; 3-5 grade; 6-8 grade; 9-10 grade; 11-12 grade.

"WE ARE THE PRO-LIFE GENERATION" Essay Contest Division and Rules: Essays will be judged on general organization, grammar, clarity of message, originality and incorporation of theme. 5-6 grade...200-300 words; 7-9 grade...300-400 words; 10-12 grades...400-500 words.

All entries must include: Student's name, age, grade, address and phone number on the back of their drawing or essay entry. Please mail entries to: Marguerite Rozelle, PO Box 1267, Albany, Oregon 97321.

For contest information or questions, Contact: Marguerite Rozelle at 541-926-1685. County Area Contest Deadline: March 1, 2015.

Pictorial directories will be ready in about a month and available at the back of church for those with pictures in the directory. If you did not get your picture taken and would like a directory, there will be some for sale for $10.

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Parish Calendar

Sunday, February 1 SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY 9 a.m. Rodaje retiro Mujeres, Aquinas 10 a.m. Library, Siena 10:15 a.m. Religious Education, school Edge, LSH 5:45 p.m. Atrium Level 3, school 9 p.m. San Juan Diego Mujeres, Aquinas

Monday, February 2 9 a.m. Divine Mercy, Siena 10 a.m. Library, Siena 1 p.m. Centering prayer, Siena 7 p.m. Farewell Reception for Fr. Federico, gym

Tuesday, February 3 6 a.m. Men’s Faith Sharing, LSH 9 a.m. Caritas, Siena 9:30 a.m. Preschool Playgroup, Nursery 1 p.m. Library, Siena 4 p.m. Altar Server Training, church 6 p.m. Knights of Columbus, LSH 6 p.m. San Juan Diego, Siena 7 p.m. RCIA, USH

Wednesday, February 4 1 p.m. Rosary Making, PCCf 1 p.m. Great Adventure Bible Study, Siena 4 p.m. Atrium Level 2, Rm 2 and 5 6 p.m. Hispanic Religious Education, school 6:30 p.m. First Reconciliation, church 7 p.m. San Juan Diego Mujeres, USH

Thursday, February 5 9 a.m. Consoling the Heart of Jesus Study, Siena 9 a.m. Mom’s Library Group, Nursery 12 p.m. Consoling the Heart of Jesus Study, Siena

Friday, February 6 1:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, school 6 p.m. Escuela Lideres SJD, USH/Siena 7 p.m. Korean Community, Rm 4

Saturday, February 7 8 a.m. First Saturday Mass, church 5 p.m. Knights of Columbus Crab Feed, gym

Sunday, February 8 10 a.m. Library 10:15 a.m. Religious Education, school Edge, LSH 5 p.m. Veritatis Splendor Book Club 5:30 p.m. Confirmation Class 8 5:45 p.m. Atrium Level 3, school

Thank you to Power GMC, one of our sponsors, whose support makes this bulletin possible!

Offering for January 24-25

Envelopes/VANCO $ 6,030.30 Loose $ 2,294.47

TOTAL $ 8,324.77

It is only with your generosity to St. Mary’s that we are able to provide parish ministries and outreach. Thank you for helping in the evangelizing mission of St. Mary’s.

Need Prayers? Caritas Call Jane at (541) 757-8291 or Sharon at (541) 929-7166

Natural Family Planning Training

January 31 and February 14 10 a.m. to noon, Aquinas Room

St. Mary's in Corvallis

Small group instruction, $100/couple

We would like couples to pre-register and pre-pay, so we know how many to expect. To register, contact: Meghan Dalton at [email protected]

*Natural Family Planning is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. USCCB

Couples’ Dinner

Register now (at the office) for the couples' dinner February 14 to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony! Menu includes spinach salad with strawberries, stuffed pork loin, rice pilaf, veggies, and cheesecake. Door prizes and complimentary wine! $30/couple.

Married Couples: Here is your perfect Valentine gift for each other!

Worldwide Marriage Encounter will host a Weekend Retreat on February 13-15 at Mt. Angel retreat H o u s e . P l e a s e a p p l y o n l i n e a t 222.rediscoverthespark.org or phone 503-853-2758. Call Jack and Jo rich at 541-929-4407 for further information.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped support STANDUPGIRL.com and to all who helped make the dinner/dance such a success! The website, which started in Corvallis, now reaches over 4.2 million girls each year and has had over 27.5 million visitors to the site. Fourteen volunteers personally interact with thousands of young women facing crisis pregnancies around the world and have helped many of them choose life for their babies. Thank you to Kate Riley, who shared her testimony and the impact STANDUPGIRL had on her decision to life for her son.

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COMUNIDAD HISPANACOMUNIDAD HISPANACOMUNIDAD HISPANA

Alerta de acción referente a un comunicado del IRS La Arquidiócesis acaba de saber que el IRS se ha retrasado en la emisión de IP-PIN. Por lo tanto, no puede recibir un IP-PIN durante esta temporada de impuestos, a pesar de ha tenido una verificación de antecedentes realizado en relación con el servicio de la Arquidiócesis, una parroquia o escuela. El IRS continuará emitiendo IP-PIN de forma continua. Si usted ha recibido un IP-PIN, debe utilizarlo para presentar su declaración de impuestos. Si usted no ha recibido una IP-PIN, el IRS aconseja que la mejor manera de protegerse es el presentar sus impuestos temprano. IRS pide disculpas por los retrasos y la confusión que ha causado. Las preguntas más frecuentes publicadas en el sitio web de la Arquidiócesis se revisan consecuentemente y se actualizan el 20 de enero 2015. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor comuníquese con la Unidad Especial de Protección de Identidad del IRS al 1-800-908-4490 o visite un Centro de Asistencia al Contribuyente. Por favor no contacte la Arquidiócesis o su parroquia o escuela. Ni la Arquidiócesis ni su parroquia o escuela tiene más información sobre la emisión de IP-PIN.

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Lunes: Mal 3:1-4; Sal 24 (23):7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lc 2:22-40 [22-32] Martes: Heb 12:1-4; Sal 22 (21):26b-28, 30-32; Mc 5:21-43 Miércoles: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Sal 103 (102):1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Mc 6:1-6 Jueves: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Sal 48 (47):2-4, 9-11; Mc 6:7-13 Viernes: Heb 13:1-8; Sal 27 (26):1, 3, 5, 8b-9; Mc 6:14-29 Sábado: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Sal 23 (22):1-6; Mc 6:30-34 Domingo: Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; Sal 147 (146):1-6; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mc 1:29-39

FIESTA DE LA CANDELARIA: Presentación de Jesús en el Templo y Purificación de la Virgen María

Una de las fiestas más antiguas Es una de las fiestas más antiguas. El "Itinerarium" de Eteria (390) habla de esta fiesta con el nombre genérico de "Quadragésima de Epiphanía". La fecha de la celebración no era el 2, sino el 14 de febrero, es decir 40 días después de la Epifanía. En el siglo V se empezaron a usar las veladoras para subrayar las palabras del Cántico de Simeón, "Luz para alumbrar a las naciones", y darle mayor colorido a la celebración. A esta fiesta se le llamó de la Purificación de María, recordando la prescripción de Moisés, que leemos en levítico 12, 1-8. Con la reforma del Concilio Vaticano II se le cambió de nombre, poniendo al centro del acontecimiento al Niño Dios, que es presentado al Templo, conforme a la prescripción que leemos en Ex 13, 1-12. Naturalmente, con el cambio del nombre se quiso borrar la presencia de María, sino ponerla en segundo lugar, después del Señor. El Evangelio de San Lucas (2, 22-38) funde dos prescripciones legales distintas, ya citadas arriba, que se refieren a la purificación de la Madre y a la consagración del primogénito. En esta celebración la Iglesia da mayor realce al ofrecimiento que María y José hacen de Jesús. Ellos reconocen que este niño es

propiedad de Dios y salvación para todos los pueblos. La presencia profética de Simeón y Ana es ejemplo de vida consagrada a Dios y de anuncio del misterio de salvación. La bendición de las velas es un símbolo de la luz de Cristo que los asistentes se llevan consigo. Prender estas velas o veladoras en algunos momentos particulares de la vida, no tiene que interpretarse como un fenómeno mágico, sino como un ponerse simbólicamente ante la luz de Cristo que disipa las tinieblas del pecado y de la muerte.