February in the Traditional Catholic Liturgical Year
February occupies a unique place in the Church’s liturgical year, serving as a bridge between the joyful mysteries of Christ’s manifestation during the Season after Epiphany and the penitential preparation for Lent. The faithful continue to contemplate the revelation of Our Lord to the nations while gradually turning their hearts toward prayer, sacrifice, and conversion.
One of the month’s most beloved celebrations is the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, also known as Candlemas. Forty days after Christmas, the Church commemorates the day when the Infant Jesus was presented in the Temple according to the Law of Moses, where He was recognized by the aged Simeon as “a light to the revelation of the Gentiles.” The traditional blessing and procession of candles beautifully symbolize Christ as the Light of the World.
February is also rich in the witness of heroic saints. Catholics honor St. Blaise with the traditional Blessing of Throats, remember the courage of St. Agatha under persecution, celebrate the contemplative life of St. Scholastica, reflect upon the missionary zeal of St. Peter Damian, and rejoice in the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, which reminds us of the unity and authority of the Church founded by Christ.
Through The Liturgical Year, Dom Prosper Guéranger unfolds the spiritual meaning of these feasts by drawing upon Sacred Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, ancient liturgical prayers, and centuries of Catholic tradition. His reflections invite readers to live the liturgy not merely as observers but as active participants in the mysteries of Christ throughout the year.
Whether you follow the Traditional Roman Calendar, attend the Traditional Latin Mass, or simply wish to deepen your appreciation for the Church’s sacred seasons, February offers abundant opportunities to grow in holiness through prayer, meditation, and the example of the saints.
February at a Glance
February is a month of light, purification, and preparation within the Traditional Catholic Calendar. It begins in the joyful spirit of the Season after Epiphany and gradually introduces the more reflective themes that lead toward Septuagesima and the penitential season of Lent.
Highlights of February
- Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas)
- Blessing of Candles
- Blessing of Throats on the Feast of St. Blaise
- Season After Epiphany
- Septuagesima (depending on the liturgical year)
- Preparation for Lent
- Great Martyrs, Virgins, Bishops, and Doctors of the Church
- Daily reflections from Dom Prosper Guéranger
- Traditional Roman Calendar feast days
- Related sermons and videos from Sensus Fidelium
Each daily reflection helps readers understand the deeper meaning of the Church’s liturgy while drawing practical spiritual lessons from the lives of the saints. Dom Prosper Guéranger’s timeless writings continue to inspire Catholics around the world to live more fully according to the rhythm of the Church’s sacred year.
February 1 – St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr
February 2 – The Purification of the Blessed Virgin
February 3 – St. Blaise, Bishop & Martyr
February 4 – St Andrew Corsini, Bishop & Confessor
February 4 – Saint Jeanne of Valois, Queen of France
February 5 – St. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr
February 6 – St. Dorothy, Virgin and Martyr
February 6 – St Titus, Bishop and Confessor
February 7 – St. Romuald, Abbot
February 8 – St. John of Matha, Confessor
February 9 – St. Apollonia, Virgin & Martyr
February 9 – St Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
February 10 – St. Scholastica, Virgin
February 11 – Our Lady of Lourdes
February 12 – The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servites, Confessors
February 13
February 14 – St. Valentine, Priest & Martyr
February 15 – Ss Faustinus and Jovita, Martyrs
February 16
February 17
February 18 – St. Simeon, Bishop & Martyr
February 18 – St. Bernadette, Virgin
February 19
February 20
February 21
February 22 – St Peter’s Chair at Antioch
February 23 – St. Peter Damian, Cardinal and Doctor of the Church
February 24 – St. Matthias, Apostle
February 25
February 26 – St Margaret of Cortona, Penitent
February 27 – St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Confessor
February 28
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is February important in the Catholic liturgical year?
February continues the Season after Epiphany while preparing the faithful for the more penitential spirit that precedes Lent. The month is especially known for the Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas), the Blessing of Candles, and many beloved saints whose lives exemplify faith, purity, courage, and perseverance.
What is Candlemas?
Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, commemorates the Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The traditional blessing and procession of candles symbolize Christ as the Light of the World, foretold by the aged Simeon.
Why are throats blessed on the Feast of St. Blaise?
According to ancient Catholic tradition, St. Blaise miraculously saved a child who was choking. In remembrance of this miracle, the Church blesses the throats of the faithful, asking God through the saint’s intercession to protect them from illnesses of the throat and other bodily ailments.
Which saints are celebrated during February?
Among the best-known February saints are St. Blaise, St. Agatha, St. Scholastica, St. Valentine, the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, St. Peter Damian, St. Matthias the Apostle, and the feast of the Chair of St. Peter.
How does Dom Prosper Guéranger explain February?
Dom Guéranger teaches that February beautifully unites the themes of Christ’s manifestation with the soul’s preparation for penance. His reflections reveal how every feast, prayer, and saint draws the faithful closer to Our Lord through the Church’s sacred liturgy.
Is this collection based on the Traditional Roman Calendar?
Yes. These readings follow the Traditional Roman Rite and complement the Traditional Latin Mass, preserving the timeless liturgical traditions and devotional practices of the Catholic Church.