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Canticle of Simeon

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

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A prayer said by Simeon on the occasion of the presentation of Jesus in the temple, beginning with "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine" (Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord). It is one of the three "evangelical canticles." Included in the Roman Breviary for Compline daily throughout the year, it is recited on February 2, the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin or Candlemas, at the blessing of the candles, and forms the Tract in the Mass of the feast when the latter follows Septuagesima. The "Nunc Dimittis" is at once a petition, a prophecy, and a hymn of thanksgiving (Luke 2).