The Presentation of Mary

The presentation of Mary, mother of Jesus, was celebrated by the church in the 6th century. A church was constructed to honor this feast day. The Eastern Church was the first to recognize it, and the universal Church began celebrating this feast day in the 11th century.

One point of doctrine that makes Mary’s presentation important is her perpetual virginity. Mary’s parents are recorded in apocryphal literature presenting her to the temple. This was done in that day to carry out a promise made to God. Mary’s parents – according to the Protoevangelium of James – also received a promise from God. 

This feast day supports the December 8th Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the September 8th birth of Mary. It reiterates the holiness of Mary, starting from the beginning of her life and continuing.