Father Andres Beltran Arias was the main celebrant for a Candlemas Mass at Cristo Rey Parish’s Good Shepherd Church on Feb. 2, 2026. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord marks 40 days after Christmas and commemorates Mary's purification and Jesus’ presentation in the temple. It is traditionally observed with a blessing of candles and people bringing Nino Dios, or statues of the infant or child Jesus, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A young girl places a statue before the altar before Mass. Father Andres Beltran Arias was the main celebrant for a Candlemas Mass at Cristo Rey Parish’s Good Shepherd Church on Feb. 2, 2026. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord marks 40 days after Christmas and commemorates Mary's purification and Jesus’ presentation in the temple. It is traditionally observed with a blessing of candles and people bringing Nino Dios, or statues of the infant or child Jesus, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners place a statue before the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners place a statue before the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Andres Beltran Arias, pastor, addresses the congregation at the start of Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners gesture during the opening song at Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Statues of Jesus line the steps of the sanctuary. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
People bow their heads in prayer. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Beltran gives the homily during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A parishioner holds candles during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Beltran lights a taper from the Pascal candle before sharing the flame with parishioners. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners pray while holding candles following a blessing. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners pray while holding candles following a blessing. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners hold up their candles following a blessing. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Beltran blesses a child during Communion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners hold their candles up for a blessing following the homily. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners hold their candles up for a blessing following the homily. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Jose Mata and Father Andres Beltran Arias bless children. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Mata and Beltran bless the religious items. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
