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"Sion, adorn your bridal chamber and welcome Christ the King;
take Mary in your arms, who is the gate of heaven,
for she herself is carrying the King of glory and new light.
A Virgin she remains, though bringing in her hands the Son
before the morning star begotten, whom Simeon, taking in his arms
announced to the people as Lord of life and death
and Saviour of the world."

- Prose sung during the Procession with candle on Candlemas, which is today.

Detail from a reredos in Ampleforth Abbey. It was carved by the Austrian firm Stuflessers, and installed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.

"Hail, full of grace, Virgin Mother of God, for from you there dawned the Sun of righteousness, Christ our God, who enlightens those in darkness. Be glad too, righteous Elder, for you received in your embrace the Liberator of our souls, who grants us also resurrection."

- This Greek troparion for today's feast was translated into Latin in the Middle Ages, and is used in the Dominican rite.

Detail from an icon in the Anglican theological college, St Stephen's House, in Oxford.

"Almighty and ever-living God,
today you presented your only-begotten Son in the temple
where Simeon took him in his arms.
In your mercy bless + and sanctify these candles;
may we carry them for the glory of your name
and may they be lit with the blessing of heavenly light.
As we offer them to you, our Lord and God,
may we be found worthy to be presented
in the holy temple of your glory,
inflamed with the holy fire of your love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen".

- Prayer from the Dominican proper for the blessing of candles on Candlemas.

Detail from the exquisite chapel of the Purification, or the Constable's Chapel in Burgos Cathedral. The carving was executed sometime between 1482 - 1517.

"When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,
just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans
and the glory of your people Israel.’"

- Luke 2:22-32, which is today's Gospel for the feast of the Presentation.

This window by Kempe is in Newcastle Cathedral.

"Zion, prepare your bridal chamber, and receive Christ, your king, whom a virgin conceived, brought forth and adored, remaining for ever a virgin.
Simeon took the child into his arms, and giving thanks, he blessed the Lord, whom a virgin conceived, brought forth and adored, remaining for ever a virgin."

- Matins responsory for the feast of the Presentation, which is today.

Detail from an embroidered banner in the Dominican sisters convent at Stone, Staffordshire.