How does Candlemas work?

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Pianofish

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Hello! I’m thinking of attending Candlemas tonight at my parish. I have never been to Candlemas before. Can anyone shed some light on it for me? If I bring candles to be blessed, how are they blessed during the service? Does it happen before, after, during Mass? Does the priest bless the laity’s candles from the altar or is there some sort of procession for the blessing? Thank you.
 
Depends where you go I guess. At my parish, we just blessed a couple of candles with Holy Water at the altar ready to be used for the blessing of throats tomorrow.

Edit: Also expect a longer Mass even if there are no special processions and such. Second reading, Gloria and at my parish at least some sung responses we used this morning - it was about 45 minutes in total.
 
The service normally begins at the head of the nave. The candles are provided and the blessing also includes the candles of the church used during the year. Before mass begins the Nunc Dimitis is sung as the candles are blessed, and then there is usually a procession to the hymn Of the Father’s heart begotten and then Hail to the Lord who comes. We also sing the offertory hymn Sing how the age long promised of a saviour, and Let all mortal flesh keep silence. The final hymn will likely be Faithful Vigil Ended, a beautiful paraphrase of the Nunc Dimitis.
 
There are long and short forms. Actual practice will vary greatly.
 
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