Joyful Mystery #4

The Fourth Joyful Mystery is commonly called, in English, The Presentation. The story of this Mystery relates the tale of Joseph and the Virgin Mary presenting the newly born Christ child in the Temple of Jerusalem. These events were widely celebrated in Mexico City on the Feast of the Candelaria, 40 days after Christmas.

In English, the feast is called Candlemas, and falls on February 2. The same feast and observation, in Spanish, emphasizes the Old Testament tradition (Leviticus 12). The Virgin Mary was presenting herself, at the same temple, to be purified by presenting a burnt offering 33 days after the circumcision of her newborn son. For these two stories, you may hear the celebration referred to as The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ or as The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Both refer to the same set of biblical events.

In art, depictions usually present a group of people inside or near the Temple of Jerusalem. The male figure is usually thought to be Simeon who will prophecy the redemption of the world by Jesus. He’s often depicted as a high priest.

The monument here is the first in the Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero. It’s just a few steps north of the intersection with Circuito Interior which here is bears the name of the old Rio Consulado. In the background of the photo, directly behind the monument, stands the Plaza Misterios shopping center. The main entrance to the plaza opens onto the Calzada de Guadalupe, one block to the east.

The Fourth Joyful Mystery is one of 15 built at the late 17th century to adorn the ancient Calzada de los Misterios. Today, it’s not just a pilgrimage route to the Basilica de Guadalupe. This particularly attractive historical walk crosses many of the neighborhoods that grew up to the south of the old Villa de Guadalupe. Getting there has just gotten more and more interesting. Metro Misterios is just about a 6-minute walk directly west of this monument, along either side of the Rio Consulado (Circuito Interior).