Ordinarily the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) does not fall on a Sunday but on whichever day the 2nd of February happend to alight upon. However, this year it does fall on a Sunday which enables a larger number than usual to celebrate it.
So all the candles to be used in church throughout the coming year were placed in the side-chapel and, at the beginning of Mass, they were blessed and there followed a short procession into church with lighted candles.
It is easy to understand why this feast is sub-titled 'Candlemas.' The Old man Simeon who appears in today's Gospel, takes the infant Christ into his arms and calls him, 'The light to enlighten the Gentiles.'
In other words, God sent his Son not just for the Jewish people but for all who would accept him.