First Form: Procession

The people gather in a chapel or other suitable place outside the church where the Mass will be celebrated. They carry unlighted candles.

While the candles are being lighted, this canticle or another hymn is sung:.

Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognized Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy.

United by the Spirit, may we now go to the house of God to welcome Christ the Lord. There we shall recognize him in the breaking of bread until he comes again in glory.

Then the priest joins his hands and blesses the candles:

Let us pray. God our Father, source of all light, today you revealed to Simeon your light of revelation to the nations. Bless + these candles and make them holy. May we who carry them to praise your glory walk in the path of goodness and come to the light that shines forever. 

Grant this through Christ forever.

Amen.

OR

Let us pray, God our Father, source of eternal light, fill the hearts of all believers with the light of faith. May we who carry these candles in your church come with joy to the light of glory. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The priest then takes the candle prepared for him, and the procession begins with the acclamation:

Let us go in peace to meet the Lord.

During the procession, the following canticle or another hymn is sung:

ANTIPHON

Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel his people.

CANTICLE

Now, Lord, you have kept your word: let your servant go in peace.

The Antiphon is repeated: " Christ the light, etc,"

ANTIPHON

Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel his people.

With my own eyes I have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

The Antiphon is repeated: " Christ the light, etc,"

ANTIPHON

Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel his people.

The Antiphon is repeated: " Christ the light, etc,"

Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel his people.

As the procession enters the church, the Entrance Song of the Mass is sung. When the priest reaches the altar, he venerates it, and may incense it. Then he goes to the chair (and replaces the cope with the chasuble). After the Gloria, he sings or says the Opening Prayer. The Mass continues as usual.

The people, carrying unlighted candles, assemble in the church. The priest, vested in white, is accompanied by his ministers and by a representative group of the faithful. They go to a suitable place (either in front of the door or in the church itself) where most of the congregation can easily take part.

Then the candles are lighted while the antiphon, The Lord will come, or another hymn is sung.

After the greeting and introduction, he blesses the candles, as in first form, and goes in procession to the altar, while all are singing. The Mass continues as usual.

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