The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The canonical Gospels do not narrate Mary’s Presentation in the Temple. The memorial receives an ancient Christian tradition, on which Saint Alphonsus meditates in his discourse on this feast.

Vatican City State: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (historical reference)

Well did the enlightened Child know that God does not accept a divided heart, but wills it wholly consecrated to his love, according to the Precept given: Diliges Dominum Deum tuum ex toto corde tuo — You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart. Whence from the moment in which she began to live she began to love God with all her strength, and gave herself wholly to him.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary, Part II, Discourse III, On the Presentation of Mary (excerpt)

As therefore the holy little Mary presented and offered herself in the Temple to God promptly and entirely, so let us on this day, without delay and without reserve, present ourselves to Mary, and beg her to offer us to God, who will not refuse us when he sees us offered by her hand — she who was the living Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Delight of her Lord, and the chosen Mother of the Eternal Word.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary, Part II, Discourse III, On the Presentation of Mary (excerpt)