The Catholic Bishop of Rumbek yesterday led a congregation of religious, priests and laity at Holy Family Cathedral celebrating the feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Bishop Caesar Mazzolari explained the meaning of the feast saying it was a celebration of light which is Jesus, symbolized by lighted candles in the hands of the faithful.He also said that the feast offers a link between the season of Christmas when Jesus is born and the season of lent which recalls the suffering of Jesus, his death on the cross and his triumph over death to new life at his resurrection.
Bishop Mazzolari gave candles to representatives of each of the religious congregations and to the Vicar General on behalf of the diocesan priests.
He explained that according to the tradition of the Church worldwide, the feast was marked by the bishop giving a big candle to the religious congregations in his diocese.
He called upon the faithful to renew their commitment to Jesus.
Five religious congregations were represented at the morning Eucharistic celebration that also commemorates the World Day of consecrated life.
The congregations represented included Our Lady of Charity Sisters, Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, Missionaries of Charity, Loreto Sisters and Comboni Missionaries represented by the bishop.
The feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated 40 days after Christmas, is also known as Candlemas day.
It recalls the day Jesus was presented to the temple by his parents in line with his culture.