Is the Catholic  feb 2nd "Feast of the Purification of Mary" a waste of a "Holy Day"?

The "Purification" of Mary MEANS that she was born without any moral imperfection. She was purified at the moment of her own conception. Therefore the "two things" you are attempting to "compare" are exactly the same thing.

At the time of Mary's "Purification" the Old Testament Law was still in effect and it required all Jewish women who recently had a child to appear and offer sacrifice, as specified. She did, so as to properly obey the letter of the law. BTW: For reasons which should be obvious, it's never wise to show disrespect to the Mother of God. 

Cardinal Newman freely admitted in his book that all catholic holy days are based upon pagan beliefs and practices. 

Mary was a Jewish lady, and followed Jewish customs, and laws - including the "Purification" ceremony  after having given birth.  Catholics (and, some other Christians) just acknowledge this.

It's a mix of Juno Sospita and Imbolc under a different name.

"Purification" of Mary

in this case

refers to the ***ritual Jewish purification*** of Mary.

I.e. it refers to a Jewish ritual

just as does the alternate terminology

"Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ"

(again: referring to a Jewish religious ritual).

Me: Fundamentalist Christian

Nobody's twisting your arm to join the club, so why don't you just mind your own business.

DOH!........

Shadowfire, nothing was stolen, you do not own the calendar. There are only 365 days...you have to share

Yes, they should be consistent.

But the Bible is not consistent so they think its okay.

It's also Imbolic, the first rite of Spring.