Candlemas Procession
From the Book of Occasional Services
This procession is intended for use immediately before the Holy Eucharist on the Feast of the Present of Our Lord in the Temple
When circumstances permit, the congregation gathers at a place apart from the church so that all may go into the church in procession. If necessary, however, the procession takes place within the church. In this case it is suitable that the celebrant begin the rite standing just inside the door of the church.
All are provided with unlighted candles. A server holds the celebrant's candle until the procession begins. The congregation stands facing the celebrant.
The Celebrant greets the people with these words
Thanks be to God.
People |
Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. |
The following canticle is then sung or said, during which the candles are lighted.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel,
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
Lord, you now have set your servant free*
to go in peace as you have promised.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,*
whom you have prepared for all the world to see.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
The Celebrant then says the following prayer
Let us pray.
God our Father, source of all light, today you revealed to the aged Simeon you light which enlightens the nations. Fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we who bear these candles may walk in the path of goodness, and come to the Light that shines forever, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Procession
Deacon |
Let us go forth in peace. |
During the procession, all carry lighted candles; and appropriate hymns, psalms, or anthems are sung.
At a suitable place, the procession may halt while the following or some other appropriate Collect is said
Let us pray.
O God, you have made this day holy by the presentation of your Son in the Temple, and by the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mercifully grant that we, who delight in her humble readiness to be the birth-giver of the Only-begotten, may rejoice for ever in our adoption as his sisters and brother; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The following antiphon and psalm is appropriate as the procession approaches the Altar
We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness, O Lord, in the midst of your temple. Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches to the world's end; your right hand is full of justice.
In place of the long antiphon given above, this shorter form may be used with the appointed Psalm
We have waited on your loving kindness, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.
Psalm 48:1-2,10-13
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On arrival in the sanctuary, the celebrant goes to the usual place, and the Eucharist begins with the Gloria in excelsis.
After the Collect of the Day, all extinguish their candles.
If desired, the candles of the congregation may be lighted again at the time of the dismissal, and borne by them as they leave the church.
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Saints |
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