SFDA Tagakpan Celebrates the Feast of the Candelaria, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

San Francisco de Asis Parish—Tagakpan solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Candelaria: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, during an early morning Eucharistic celebration held on February 2, 2026, 6:30 a.m.

The Holy Mass was presided by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Mario B. Holmina, OSJ, and was marked by the traditional blessing of candles which is an essential ritual of the feast symbolizing Christ as the Light of the world and the call of the faithful to live as bearers of that light.

The Feast of the Candelaria commemorates the biblical event in which Mary and Joseph presented the child Jesus in the Temple in obedience to the Law of Moses. Central to the celebration is the Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis), in which Simeon proclaims the infant Jesus as God’s promised salvation for all peoples:

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30–32)

In his homily, Fr. Holmina emphasized the enduring message of the feast, reminding the congregation that Christ remains the true light amid the challenges of the world. He encouraged the faithful to embody this light through lives rooted in faith, humility, service, and love for others.

The reverent celebration gathered parishioners in prayer and reflection, reaffirming the spiritual significance of the Feast of the Candelaria in the life of the Church and strengthening the community’s commitment to live out the light of Christ in everyday life. (Jeffren Miguel | SFDA SoCCom)