Saint Simeon

Saint Luke tells of Simeon, a righteous and devout man of Jerusalem who was awaiting the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. Led by the Spirit, he came into the Temple just as Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to present him to the Lord (Luke 2:22-35).

Simeon took the Child in his arms and praised God with the canticle the Church still prays every night at Compline, the Nunc Dimittis: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace." He called Jesus a light for the Gentiles and glory for Israel, and he warned Mary that a sword would pierce her own soul. The Roman Martyrology commemorates him on October 8, while the Eastern Churches honor him around the Presentation, February 3.

Simeon is remembered especially at Candlemas, February 2, when candles are blessed in memory of his words about Christ the Light. His canticle closes the Church's night prayer every day.

His words to Mary are the first of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady, so he is also honored in devotions to Our Lady of Sorrows.