After the beauties of Rome under a mild utterly blue cloudless white sky to return to the ordinary streets of grey London is a depressing thing.

But to cheer us up as we went to a hearty Candlemas for my son’s school in the Little Oratory. I love the moment after one stands outside the church as the candles are blessed. Then there comes a moment when the candles are lit.

For me the words of old Simeon are some of the most moving in the Gospel.

Now Lord you have kept your word. Let your servant depart in peace.

And the words of the Priest will end in a happy tale.

Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented at the Temple.