Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Christian feast observed on November 21. According to the traditional account, Mary was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem as a child and offered to God. The feast is a time to reflect on Mary’s devotion and her example of listening to God.
How the Feast Began
According to Vatican News, the feast dates back to the 6th century in the East. It began with the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New, built by Emperor Justinian I near the ruins of the Temple in Jerusalem. The celebration recalls the traditional account of Mary’s presentation, though there is no trace of this event in the Gospels.
The story appears in apocryphal gospels, which are not part of the Bible. In this tradition, Mary’s parents bring her to the Temple as a child to offer her to God. Vatican News notes that the feast focuses not so much on the historical event as on Mary’s total gift of herself and her willingness to listen to God.
What the Presentation Represents
The word “presentation” refers to being brought forward or offered. In the traditional story, Mary’s family dedicates her to God. For many Christians, the feast points to faith and devotion. Vatican News presents Mary as a model for Christians because she listens to God’s word and follows her Son.
The feast is observed in the East and in the Catholic Church. Its traditions and services can vary from one community to another, while sharing a focus on Mary’s dedication and example.
Art and worship often portray the young Mary being led to the Temple, sometimes with her parents nearby. These images offer a visual way to tell the traditional story. Church services may include prayers, hymns, or readings that reflect on Mary’s life and the meaning of dedication.
Ways to Observe the Day
Whether you mark the feast through worship, family traditions, or quiet reflection, simple activities can help bring its themes into everyday life:
- Attend a service. Check with a local Catholic, Orthodox, or other Christian church to learn whether it holds a service for the feast.
- Read the story together. Explore the biblical accounts of Mary’s life, and explain that the Temple presentation comes from apocryphal tradition rather than the Gospels.
- Share a prayer or reflection. Talk about the values your family hopes to nurture, such as kindness, faith, and service.
- Enjoy religious art. Look at an image of the Presentation of Mary and talk about what it shows, including the people, setting, and gestures.
- Practice an act of service. Choose a thoughtful way to help someone in your home, neighborhood, or faith community, connecting the day’s theme of devotion with care for others.
When is Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Every year on November 21.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 21 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 21 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 21 | Thursday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 4, 2026 · Last updated November 4, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2026?
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is on Saturday, November 21, 2026. After that, it falls on Sunday, November 21, 2027. Every year on November 21.
Is Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary a public holiday?
No. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary feast begin?
The feast dates back to the 6th century in the East and began with the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary the New near the ruins of the Temple in Jerusalem. The traditional account of Mary’s presentation is not found in the Gospels; it appears in apocryphal writings.
What does the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrate?
The feast recalls the traditional story of Mary being brought to the Temple as a child and offered to God. It also highlights her devotion, willingness to listen to God, and example of faith.
How can people celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
People can attend a church service, share a prayer or reflection, look at religious art depicting the story, or do an act of service. Traditions and services vary among communities.
Sources
- Vatican News: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
✓ Date verified against Vatican News: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on November 4, 2026.
