Each year on the 2nd February the ceremony of The Blessing of Candles is performed. This is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this day the Church recalls Christ's presentation by our Lady & St. Joseph in the temple on Jerusalem as per Jewish custom with each first born male child.
The scripture for the day tells of the old and saintly man Simeon's encounter with the infant when he holds him in his arms and prophesies that the child is destined 'for the rise and fall of many in Israel.' He also call the child, 'The light to enlighten the Gentiles.' And it is because of that reference to light that the church on this day blesses all the candles which will be used in the church throughout the coming year.