"Behold the heavenly tabernacle!"

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast Day -November 21*

*The Feast celebrates Mary as a temple,

where God dwelt in a special way through her role as Mother of Jesus.

"Go then, go, O Queen of the world, O Mother of God, go joyfully to

the house of God and there await the coming of the divine Spirit

who will make you the Mother of the divine Word." - St Germanus (+ 730)

 

From the Byzantine liturgy:

 "The most pure temple of the Savior, His most precious bridal chamber, the Virgin, sacred treasury of God's glory, enters today into the house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the divine Spirit.  Wherefore the angels of God are singing: "Behold the heavenly tabernacle!" ... Wherefore let us cry out to her with all our strength: "Joy to you, fulfillment of the Creator's plan!" At the moment when the young girl Mary was presented in the glorious Temple, "everything that humans build was already diminished by the praise in her heart." (Rilke)

 

"God Himself, with the whole heavenly court, was greatly pleased and glorified the day when He beheld His spouse being led to the Temple.  Never had He seen a holier creature, nor one whom He loved so tenderly, come to offer herself to Him."
- Bernardine de Bustis (+1515)

"Hail, Holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house, and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God.  Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unplowed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of mother hood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbor." - St Germanus, homily on the Presentation of Mary 

 

"Hers was the happiness of first bearing in her womb Him

whom she would obey as her master." - St Augustine

Click here: Presentation of Mary - YouTube (2 mins)

various works of art depicting Presentation of Mary + Hail Mary sung

Click here: The Presentation of Mary - YouTube (2 mins)

Click here: Catholic Fire: The Feast of the Presentation of Mary