The feast of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, celebrated each year on 21 November, is one of the important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, as well as in certain Orthodox traditions. It has its roots in apocryphal traditions, enriched by centuries of popular devotion and theology. Although less well known than other Marian celebrations such as the Annunciation or the Assumption, this feast highlights a key moment in Mary's life and illustrates her unique role in salvation history.
The Scriptural and Apocryphal Origin
Unlike many Marian feasts, the Presentation of the Virgin Mary does not come directly from the canonical Gospels, but from an apocryphal text, the Protoevangelium of James, written in the 2nd century. This document, although not recognised as canonical by the Church, has had a profound influence on Christian tradition and Marian piety.
According to this text, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne, were a pious, elderly couple who had no children of their own. After years of prayer, they received the divine promise of the birth of a daughter. As a sign of gratitude and in accordance with a religious practice of the time, they decided to consecrate their child to God. At the age of three, Mary was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem, where she was presented to the Lord. There, she would have grown up in an environment of prayer, meditation and service, preparing for her future mission as mother of the Saviour.
The Development of the Feast
Oriental origins
The celebration of the Presentation of the Virgin finds its earliest traces in the Eastern Church. It is thought to have been instituted in the 6th century, under the influence of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who built a church dedicated to Mary near the Temple in Jerusalem. The feast, called "Entrance of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple", highlights Mary's consecration to God and her central role in the economy of salvation.
Introduction in the West
In the West, the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin was introduced much later. It was officially adopted in the 14th century by Pope Gregory XI, following the influence of the Crusaders and exchanges between Eastern and Western traditions. It became a universal liturgical feast under Pope Sixtus V in 1585, integrated into the Roman calendar.
The Theological Significance of the Feast
The Presentation of the Virgin Mary is not simply a historical or legendary event. It carries a profound theological significance, highlighting several aspects of Christian spirituality:
Total consecration to God
The story of the Presentation illustrates Mary's total devotion to God from an early age. It prefigures her "yes" at the Annunciation, when she agrees to become the mother of Christ. This act of consecration inspires Christians to offer their lives to God in a spirit of service and faith.
Preparation for the role of Mother of God
Growing up in the Temple, Mary is prepared spiritually and morally for her unique mission. She is formed to be a living shrine to welcome the Incarnate Word.
The holiness of Mary
The feast emphasises the purity and holiness of Mary, recognised as the Immaculate Conception. She is the perfect model of virtue and faith, a central figure for Christian devotion.
The example of faith of Joachim and Anne
The Presentation also highlights the faith and piety of Mary's parents, who offer their child in gratitude for divine grace. They are examples for all Christian parents, who are invited to bring up their children in the faith and love of God.
The Liturgical Celebration
The feast of the Presentation of the Virgin is marked by special liturgical celebrations in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches:
In the Catholic Church
The liturgy on 21 November focuses on Mary's devotion and her role in the plan of salvation. The biblical readings often chosen, such as those from the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:22-30) or the visit of the Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-38), recall the sacred dimension of the event. The Eucharistic prayers honour Mary as a model of faith and holiness.
In the Orthodox Church
In the East, this feast is one of the "Twelve Great Feasts". It is celebrated with particular solemnity, including hymns and processions. The liturgy highlights Mary's entry into the Temple as a crucial stage in salvation history.
Artistic Representations
The Presentation of the Virgin has inspired many artists over the centuries. Among the most famous works are:
"The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple" by Titian (1534-1538):This painting shows Mary, still a child, climbing the steps of the Temple under the watchful eyes of her parents and priests.
Byzantine icons:Eastern icons often depict Mary surrounded by angels and priests, emphasising her purity and divine election.
These representations help to popularise and immortalise the event in the Christian imagination.
An Ever-Present Feast
Although the Presentation of the Virgin is rooted in ancient traditions, it remains a profoundly relevant feast for Christians today. It invites everyone to reflect on their own vocation, to imitate Mary's devotion and to renew their commitment to God.
In a world often distracted by material concerns, this feast reminds us of the value of spiritual consecration and fidelity to the mission that God entrusts to each of us. By her example, Mary continues to inspire believers to walk the path of faith with confidence and humility.
