---
title: What is Candlemas and how to observe it
description: What is Candlemas? What are some ways to observe Candlemas? Learn about the Biblical origins of Candlemas (also called the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord), what the Church does on Candlemas and a few simple ideas for how to observe Candlemas in the home with your family.
image: https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/hubfs/19-0130%20Blog%20Photo.png
---

[![University of Notre Dame](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/University_of_Notre_Dame_July2018/Images/dept-nd-white.png?width=301&height=50&name=dept-nd-white.png "University of Notre Dame")](https://www.nd.edu/)

[McGrath Institute for Church Life](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/)

Search

- [Home](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/)
- [Conferences](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/conferences/)
- [Online Courses](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/)
- [Service Learning](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/service-learning/)
- [Events](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/events/)
- [Resources](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/resources/)
- [About](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/about/)
- [Blog](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu)

Search

- [Home](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/)
- [Conferences](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/conferences/)
- [Online Courses](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/)
- [Service Learning](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/service-learning/)
- [Events](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/events/)
- [Resources](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/resources/)
- [About](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/about/)
- [Blog](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu)

# What is Candlemas and how to observe it

Posted by [Carolyn Pirtle](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/author/carolyn-pirtle) on Jan 30, 2019 7:12:00 AM

![Carolyn Pirtle](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/hubfs/Carolyn-Pirtle-Square.jpg)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![19-0130 Blog Photo 1](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/19-0130%20Blog%20Photo%201.png?width=810&name=19-0130%20Blog%20Photo%201.png)

On February 2—forty days after Christmas—the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, calling to mind the Holy Family’s observance of the Mosaic Law (see Leviticus 12:1–8). Mary comes to the Temple forty days after giving birth to Jesus, and she and Joseph offer for her purification a sacrifice of two turtledoves, the offering prescribed for the poor. In addition, Mary and Joseph present and dedicate Jesus to God, as he is Mary’s firstborn Son (see Exodus 13:2–16).

### Candlemas and the Presentation of the Lord

We read about Jesus’ presentation in Luke’s Gospel, where we also learn of the Holy Family’s encounter with a man named Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Simeon recognizes in this ordinary-looking baby the Son of God, and as he takes him in his arms, he utters the canticle prayed during Night Prayer by millions of faithful throughout the world:

> Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;  
> your word has been fulfilled:  
> my own eyes have seen the salvation  
> which you have prepared in the sight of every people:  
> a light to reveal you to the nations  
> and the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2:29–32) 

In this canticle we see the origins of the other name for this feast: *Candlemas*. 

### What happens during Candlemas

On February 2, all of the candles to be used in the church for the coming year are blessed, and the faithful are invited to bring their own candles so that they can be blessed and used in the home for prayer throughout the year.

In some churches, a candlelight procession takes place as part of the blessing; in others, people simply stand in their pews holding their lit candles. In both cases, the warm, soft beauty of candlelight serves as a lovely reminder of the Christmas celebration, when the darkness of sin was scattered by the “true light who was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Moreover, it is a much-needed reminder during the remaining dark, long days of winter that, no matter how grave things may be, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

In the feast of the presentation, we see that Jesus Christ is God’s light to the nations, “the light of the world” (John 8:12). We see Mary and Joseph humbly obeying the Law in offering Jesus to the Father, foreshadowing the offering he himself will make on the Cross. We see that, even when we experience times of darkness in our own lives, if we persevere in fidelity to the Gospel and to God’s commandments, if we allow our lives to reflect the light of Christ, then we, too, will become a light to others.

### Ways to observe Candlemas

To celebrate this feast, consider purchasing (or even making!) special candles to keep and use in your home. If possible, bring these candles to your parish’s Candlemas celebration so that they can be blessed during Mass. If this isn’t possible, ask your priest to bless your candles at an alternate time. Then, throughout the year, light your blessed candles during dinner on special occasions (Sundays, feast days of favorite/patron saints, birthdays or anniversaries of baptisms, weddings or other sacraments), during times of prayer (especially if you pray at night alone or with your family) or during times of vigil (perhaps awaiting the birth of a child, caring for a sick family member or mourning the loss of a loved one).

The glow of a flickering flame may help rekindle your love for God in times of difficulty, or it may be a reflection of your joy. Regardless, it will serve as a sign of the One who is God’s light to the nations, God’s salvation to all people.

If you have any ideas or family traditions for celebrating Candlemas, please share them with the community below. Tomorrow's post will be [a how-to guide for making "stained glass" luminaries for Candlemas](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/diy-stained-glass-luminaries-to-celebrate-candlemas).

 

Photo credit: [Иерей Максим Массалитин, 2009/WikimediaCommons, some rights reserved](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%A4%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D1%81%D0%B2%D1%82._%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%A7%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%86%D0%B0,_%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B8_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5_%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE-%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0._%D0%92%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8B%D1%80%D1%8C.jpg)

 Topics: [family life](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/family-life), [holidays](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holidays), [traditions](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/traditions), [DIY](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/diy), [feast days](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/feast-days)

## Living and Handing on the Faith

The McGrath Institute Blog helps Catholics live and hand on their faith in Jesus Christ, especially in the family, home and parish, and cultivates and inspires everyday leaders to live out the fullness and richness of their faith in the simple, little ways that make up Church life.

Connect with us!

- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/mcgrathnd)
- [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/mcgrathnd)
- [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/mcgrathnd)
- [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/iclnotredame)

### Subscribe Here

### Most Popular

### Posts by Tag

- [COVID-19 Resources (77)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/covid-19-resources)
- [prayer (51)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/prayer)
- [coronavirus (48)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/coronavirus)
- [Lent (45)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lent)
- [saints (42)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/saints)
- [downloadable resources (29)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/downloadable-resources)
- [liturgy (27)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy)
- [Monday Motivation Weekly Resources (26)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/monday-motivation-weekly-resources)
- [pro-life (25)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pro-life)
- [liturgical year (23)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-year)
- [spirituality (23)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spirituality)
- [Advent (22)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/advent)
- [communion of saints (22)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/communion-of-saints)
- [human dignity (22)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/human-dignity)
- [Scripture (21)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/scripture)
- [stories of grace (20)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stories-of-grace)
- [Mary (19)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mary)
- [science and religion (19)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/science-and-religion)
- [Catholic education (18)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-education)
- [Culture (18)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/culture)
- [domestic church (17)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/domestic-church)
- [faith and reason (17)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith-and-reason)
- [ministry resources (17)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ministry-resources)
- [family life (16)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/family-life)
- [ministry (16)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ministry)
- [Marian devotion (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marian-devotion)
- [devotional prayer (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/devotional-prayer)
- [parish life (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parish-life)
- [traditions (15)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/traditions)
- [Easter (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/easter)
- [Eucharist (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/eucharist)
- [Holy Week (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-week)
- [parenting (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parenting)
- [virtue (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/virtue)
- [visual arts (14)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/visual-arts)
- [feast days (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/feast-days)
- [leadership (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leadership)
- [liturgical music (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-music)
- [teaching resources (13)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/teaching-resources)
- [Catolicismo hispano (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catolicismo-hispano)
- [Christmas (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christmas)
- [Office of Life and Human Dignity (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/office-of-life-and-human-dignity)
- [Politics (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/politics)
- [Pope Francis (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pope-francis)
- [community (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/community)
- [formation (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/formation)
- [liturgy and education (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy-and-education)
- [sacraments (12)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacraments)
- [Hispanic Catholicism (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hispanic-catholicism)
- [art (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/art)
- [faith (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith)
- [healing (11)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/healing)
- [Academy Awards (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/academy-awards)
- [Oscars (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/oscars)
- [catechesis (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catechesis)
- [education (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/education)
- [holidays (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holidays)
- [online education (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/online-education)
- [pilgrimage (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pilgrimage)
- [universal call to holiness (10)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/universal-call-to-holiness)
- [Paschal Triduum (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/paschal-triduum)
- [devotions (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/devotions)
- [evangelization (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/evangelization)
- [young people (9)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/young-people)
- [Best Picture nominees (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/best-picture-nominees)
- [Mass (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mass)
- [contemplative prayer (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/contemplative-prayer)
- [discipleship (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/discipleship)
- [lay ecclesial ministry (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lay-ecclesial-ministry)
- [preaching (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/preaching)
- [saint devotions (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/saint-devotions)
- [truth (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/truth)
- [vocation (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vocation)
- [youth ministry (8)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/youth-ministry)
- [Catholic schools (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-schools)
- [Hispanic ministry (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hispanic-ministry)
- [Notre Dame (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/notre-dame)
- [abortion (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/abortion)
- [campus ministry (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/campus-ministry)
- [crèche (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/crèche)
- [educational resources (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/educational-resources)
- [election 2020 (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/election-2020)
- [homily (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/homily)
- [inspiration (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/inspiration)
- [leonardjdelorenzo (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leonardjdelorenzo)
- [mental health (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mental-health)
- [motherhood (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/motherhood)
- [prayer enrichment series (7)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/prayer-enrichment-series)
- [Called & Co-Responsible Conference (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/called-co-responsible-conference)
- [Catholic Schools Week (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-schools-week)
- [Echo (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/echo)
- [Hope (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hope)
- [Liturgy of the Hours (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy-of-the-hours)
- [Nativity scene (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nativity-scene)
- [Practice (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/practice)
- [Saturdays with the Saints (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/saturdays-with-the-saints)
- [children (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/children)
- [creation (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/creation)
- [death (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/death)
- [devotional music (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/devotional-music)
- [fasting (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fasting)
- [lectio divina (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lectio-divina)
- [love (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/love)
- [racism (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/racism)
- [self-giving love (6)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/self-giving-love)
- [All Souls (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/all-souls)
- [DIY (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/diy)
- [Liturgy Week (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgy-week)
- [Millennials (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/millennials)
- [Notre Dame Vision (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/notre-dame-vision)
- [Respect Life Month (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/respect-life-month)
- [STEP (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/step)
- [Theology (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theology)
- [anti-racism (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/anti-racism)
- [cardinal virtues (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/cardinal-virtues)
- [communication (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/communication)
- [conversion (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/conversion)
- [friendship (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/friendship)
- [holiness (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holiness)
- [homeschooling (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/homeschooling)
- [inculturation (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/inculturation)
- [liturgical formation (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-formation)
- [marriage (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marriage)
- [media (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/media)
- [poetry (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/poetry)
- [resources (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/resources)
- [rosary (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/rosary)
- [science (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/science)
- [technology (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/technology)
- [vulnerability (5)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vulnerability)
- [Catholic Social Teaching (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-social-teaching)
- [Christian art (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christian-art)
- [Church Life Today (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/church-life-today)
- [Congregation of Holy Cross (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/congregation-of-holy-cross)
- [Corporal Works of Mercy (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/corporal-works-of-mercy)
- [Cross (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/cross)
- [Cuaresma (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/cuaresma)
- [Feasts (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/feasts)
- [Holy Saturday (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-saturday)
- [Mental Illness Awareness Week (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mental-illness-awareness-week)
- [Semana Santa (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/semana-santa)
- [Thanksgiving (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/thanksgiving)
- [Trinity (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/trinity)
- [activities (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/activities)
- [almsgiving (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/almsgiving)
- [communion (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/communion)
- [discernment (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/discernment)
- [embracing parish life (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/embracing-parish-life)
- [human flourishing (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/human-flourishing)
- [moral virtue (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/moral-virtue)
- [movie review (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/movie-review)
- [music (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/music)
- [perspective (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/perspective)
- [providence (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/providence)
- [social distancing (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/social-distancing)
- [social media (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/social-media)
- [trusting in God (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/trusting-in-god)
- [voting (4)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/voting)
- [Catechism (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catechism)
- [Catholic imagination (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-imagination)
- [Good Friday (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/good-friday)
- [Holy Communion (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-communion)
- [Holy Spirit (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-spirit)
- [Holy Thursday (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-thursday)
- [Immaculate Conception (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/immaculate-conception)
- [Jesus Christ (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jesus-christ)
- [Las Posadas (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/las-posadas)
- [New Year's resolutions (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/new-years-resolutions)
- [Night Prayer (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/night-prayer)
- [Resurrection (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/resurrection)
- [Sacred Heart of Jesus (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacred-heart-of-jesus)
- [Social Justice (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/social-justice)
- [St. Augustine (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-augustine)
- [St. John Paul II (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-john-paul-ii)
- [St. Maximilian Kolbe (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-maximilian-kolbe)
- [St. Thérèse of Lisieux (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-therese-of-lisieux)
- [The Saint John's Bible (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-saint-johns-bible)
- [adult faith formation (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/adult-faith-formation)
- [asceticism (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/asceticism)
- [church life journal (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/church-life-journal)
- [co-responsibility (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/co-responsibility)
- [college (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/college)
- [family (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/family)
- [fatherhood (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fatherhood)
- [good and evil (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/good-and-evil)
- [intercessory prayer (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/intercessory-prayer)
- [justice (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/justice)
- [martyrdom (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/martyrdom)
- [mercy (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mercy)
- [playlist (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/playlist)
- [processions (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/processions)
- [retreat (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/retreat)
- [sacrifice (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacrifice)
- [sports (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sports)
- [theological education (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theological-education)
- [theological virtues (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theological-virtues)
- [visio divina (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/visio-divina)
- [women in the Church (3)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/women-in-the-church)
- [A Season with the Saints (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/a-season-with-the-saints)
- [Ash Wednesday (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ash-wednesday)
- [Best Picture (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/best-picture)
- [Black Catholic History Month (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/black-catholic-history-month)
- [Body of Christ (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/body-of-christ)
- [Camino (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/camino)
- [Catholic Worker (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-worker)
- [Christmas carols (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christmas-carols)
- [Christus Vivit (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christus-vivit)
- [Confession (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/confession)
- [Confirmation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/confirmation)
- [Divine Mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/divine-mercy)
- [Dorothy Day (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dorothy-day)
- [Down syndrome (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/down-syndrome)
- [Epiphany (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/epiphany)
- [Examen (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/examen)
- [Exsultet (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/exsultet)
- [Fr. Ted Hesburgh CSC (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fr-ted-hesburgh-csc)
- [Gospel (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gospel)
- [Incarnation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/incarnation)
- [Internet (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/internet)
- [Jean Vanier (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jean-vanier)
- [L'Arche (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/larche)
- [Laudato Si' (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/laudato-si)
- [Little Way (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/little-way)
- [March for Life (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/march-for-life)
- [May Crowning (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/may-crowning)
- [Mental Health Awareness Month (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mental-health-awareness-month)
- [Metropolitan Museum of Art (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/metropolitan-museum-of-art)
- [Miracles (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/miracles)
- [Montessori education (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/montessori-education)
- [New Year (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/new-year)
- [O Antiphons (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/o-antiphons)
- [Our Lady of Guadalupe (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/our-lady-of-guadalupe)
- [Padre Pio (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/padre-pio)
- [Pastoral Care for the Sick (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pastoral-care-for-the-sick)
- [Revelation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/revelation)
- [Sacrament of Matrimony (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacrament-of-matrimony)
- [Scriptures (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/scriptures)
- [Spiritual Works of Mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-works-of-mercy)
- [St. Ignatius (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-ignatius)
- [St. Joseph (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-joseph)
- [The Chronicles of Narnia (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-chronicles-of-narnia)
- [Transfiguration (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/transfiguration)
- [Tres Reyes (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/tres-reyes)
- [Valentine's Day (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/valentines-day)
- [Vespers (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vespers)
- [Year of Mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/year-of-mercy)
- [accompaniment (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/accompaniment)
- [anxiety (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/anxiety)
- [baptism (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/baptism)
- [basilica of the sacred heart (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/basilica-of-the-sacred-heart)
- [book review (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/book-review)
- [books (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/books)
- [continuing education (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/continuing-education)
- [dialogue (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dialogue)
- [disability (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/disability)
- [gratitude (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gratitude)
- [iconography (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/iconography)
- [intermittent fasting (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/intermittent-fasting)
- [liturgical ministry (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/liturgical-ministry)
- [multiculturalism (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/multiculturalism)
- [papal documents (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/papal-documents)
- [penance (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/penance)
- [perfectionism (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/perfectionism)
- [printable saints (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/printable-saints)
- [reconciliation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/reconciliation)
- [relationships (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/relationships)
- [religious education (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/religious-education)
- [romance (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/romance)
- [sacramental formation (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacramental-formation)
- [sacred architecture (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sacred-architecture)
- [school (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/school)
- [sex (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sex)
- [sin (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sin)
- [surrender (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/surrender)
- [teaching (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/teaching)
- [television (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/television)
- [theological aesthetics (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/theological-aesthetics)
- [works of mercy (2)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/works-of-mercy)
- [1917 (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/1917)
- [All Saints Day (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/all-saints-day)
- [Angelus (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/angelus)
- [Annunciation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/annunciation)
- [Archbishop José Gomez (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/archbishop-josé-gomez)
- [Assumption (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/assumption)
- [Ave Maria Press (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ave-maria-press)
- [Basil Moreau, C.S.C. (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/basil-moreau-c-s-c)
- [Ben Howard (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ben-howard)
- [Benedictine spirituality (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/benedictine-spirituality)
- [Beyond the Abortion Wars (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/beyond-the-abortion-wars)
- [Big Bang (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/big-bang)
- [Black History Month (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/black-history-month)
- [C.S. Lewis (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/c-s-lewis)
- [Catholic Twitter (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-twitter)
- [Catholic feminism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-feminism)
- [Catholic identity (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/catholic-identity)
- [Center for Liturgy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/center-for-liturgy)
- [Charles Camosy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/charles-camosy)
- [Christmas movies (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/christmas-movies)
- [Church Life (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/church-life)
- [Civil Rights (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/civil-rights)
- [Dolly Parton (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dolly-parton)
- [Dulce Lopes Pontes (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dulce-lopes-pontes)
- [Easter Proclamation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/easter-proclamation)
- [Eucharistic Adoration (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/eucharistic-adoration)
- [Eucharistic Prayer (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/eucharistic-prayer)
- [Field of Dreams (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/field-of-dreams)
- [Ford v Ferrari (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ford-v-ferrari)
- [Fratelli Tutti (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fratelli-tutti)
- [Gerard Manley Hopkins (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gerard-manley-hopkins)
- [Giuseppina Vannini (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/giuseppina-vannini)
- [Greta Gerwig (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/greta-gerwig)
- [Henri Nouwen (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/henri-nouwen)
- [Ignatian retreat (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ignatian-retreat)
- [Immaculate Heart (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/immaculate-heart)
- [Indigenous Peoples Day (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/indigenous-peoples-day)
- [Isaac Newton (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/isaac-newton)
- [Jesuit spirituality (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jesuit-spirituality)
- [John Henry Newman (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/john-henry-newman)
- [John the Baptist (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/john-the-baptist)
- [Jojo Rabbit (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/jojo-rabbit)
- [Joker (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/joker)
- [Kobe Bryant (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/kobe-bryant)
- [Leonardo Da Vinci (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leonardo-da-vinci)
- [Little Women (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/little-women)
- [Mardi Gras (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mardi-gras)
- [Margherita Bays (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/margherita-bays)
- [Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mariam-thresia-chiramel-mankidiyan)
- [Marian Shrines (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marian-shrines)
- [Marian consecration (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marian-consecration)
- [Marriage Story (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/marriage-story)
- [Martin Scorsese (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/martin-scorsese)
- [Mary Magdalene (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mary-magdalene)
- [Mass for the Dead (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mass-for-the-dead)
- [Mister Rogers (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mister-rogers)
- [Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/mister-rogers-neighborhood)
- [Morning Prayer (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/morning-prayer)
- [New Orleans (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/new-orleans)
- [Nicene Creed (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nicene-creed)
- [Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nuestra-señora-de-guadalupe)
- [Obianuju Ekeocha (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/obianuju-ekeocha)
- [Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood)
- [Our Lady of Sorrows (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/our-lady-of-sorrows)
- [Palm Sunday (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/palm-sunday)
- [Parasite (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parasite)
- [Paschal mystery (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/paschal-mystery)
- [Pope John Paul II (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pope-john-paul-ii)
- [Queenship of Mary (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/queenship-of-mary)
- [Quentin Tarantino (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/quentin-tarantino)
- [RCIA (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/rcia)
- [Requiem Mass (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/requiem-mass)
- [Rule of St. Benedict (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/rule-of-st-benedict)
- [STEM (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stem)
- [STREAM (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stream)
- [Sex Week (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sex-week)
- [Sign of the Cross (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sign-of-the-cross)
- [Sigrid Undset (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sigrid-undset)
- [Spiritual Communion (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-communion)
- [St. André Bessette (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-andre-bessette)
- [St. Casimir (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-casimir)
- [St. Jerome (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-jerome)
- [St. Martha (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-martha)
- [St. Oscar Romero (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-oscar-romero)
- [St. Peter Claver (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-peter-claver)
- [St. Stephen of Hungary (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-stephen-of-hungary)
- [St. Thomas Aquinas (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/st-thomas-aquinas)
- [Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sts-louis-and-zélie-martin)
- [Super Tuesday (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/super-tuesday)
- [Suscipe (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/suscipe)
- [Sábado Santa (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sábado-santa)
- [The Good Place (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-good-place)
- [The Irishman (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-irishman)
- [The Velveteen Rabbit (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/the-velveteen-rabbit)
- [Vatican II (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/vatican-ii)
- [Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity)
- [White Ribbon Against Pornography Week (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/white-ribbon-against-pornography-week)
- [Women's History Month (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/womens-history-month)
- [World War I (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/world-war-i)
- [Year of St. Joseph (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/year-of-st-joseph)
- [adoption (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/adoption)
- [bereavement ministry (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/bereavement-ministry)
- [canonization (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/canonization)
- [charity (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/charity)
- [childbirth (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/childbirth)
- [common good (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/common-good)
- [dating (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/dating)
- [disaffiliation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/disaffiliation)
- [divorce (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/divorce)
- [doctrine (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/doctrine)
- [ecology (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ecology)
- [ecumenism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/ecumenism)
- [elections (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/elections)
- [en español (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/en-español)
- [fairy tales (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/fairy-tales)
- [faith formation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith-formation)
- [faith on film (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/faith-on-film)
- [feminism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/feminism)
- [gender (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gender)
- [gift giving (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/gift-giving)
- [guardian angels (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/guardian-angels)
- [holy orders (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/holy-orders)
- [hookup culture (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hookup-culture)
- [hospitality (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/hospitality)
- [isolation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/isolation)
- [journalism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/journalism)
- [joy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/joy)
- [lay formation (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/lay-formation)
- [leisure (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/leisure)
- [literature (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/literature)
- [materialism (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/materialism)
- [multicultural ministry (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/multicultural-ministry)
- [nature (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nature)
- [nostalgia (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/nostalgia)
- [online giving (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/online-giving)
- [parenthood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/parenthood)
- [peace (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/peace)
- [popular culture (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/popular-culture)
- [pornography (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pornography)
- [poverty (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/poverty)
- [pregnancy (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/pregnancy)
- [privilege (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/privilege)
- [psalms (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/psalms)
- [relics (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/relics)
- [righting reflex (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/righting-reflex)
- [safe environment (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/safe-environment)
- [salvation history (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/salvation-history)
- [sermons (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/sermons)
- [service (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/service)
- [service learning (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/service-learning)
- [signs (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/signs)
- [silence (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/silence)
- [solitude (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/solitude)
- [spiritual childhood (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-childhood)
- [spiritual exercises (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/spiritual-exercises)
- [stability (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stability)
- [stained glass (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stained-glass)
- [stewardship (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/stewardship)
- [teens (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/teens)
- [temperance (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/temperance)
- [tithing (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/tithing)
- [trust (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/trust)
- [undergraduates (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/undergraduates)
- [witness (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/witness)
- [wonder (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/wonder)
- [young adult ministry (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/young-adult-ministry)
- [young adults (1)](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/tag/young-adults)

See all

[Copyright](https://www.nd.edu/copyright/) © 2018 [University of Notre Dame](https://www.nd.edu/)

[McGrath Institute for Church Life](https://mcgrath.nd.edu/) 342 Geddes Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Phone 574.631.5510 [mcgrath@nd.edu](mailto:mcgrath@nd.edu)

[Accessibility Information](https://www.nd.edu/about/accessibility/)

- <https://www.facebook.com/McGrathND/>
- <https://twitter.com/McGrathND>
- <https://www.instagram.com/mcgrathnd/>
- <https://www.youtube.com/user/iclnotredame>

![University of Notre](https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/hubfs/University_of_Notre_Dame_July2018/Images/ndmark300.png)