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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Athanasius of Alexandria
He ordered two things to be offered, because as man consists of both body and soul, the Lord requires a double return from us, chastity and meekness, not only of the body, but also of the soul. Otherwise, man will be a dissembler and hypocrite, wearing the face of innocence to mask his hidden malice.
Theophylact of Ohrid
The Law (Lev. 12:6–8) commanded to offer a pair of turtledoves as an indication that the childbearing was from a pure marriage. For it is said of the turtledove that she is a chaste bird, such that, having lost her mate, she does not couple with another. But if the parents did not have turtledoves, they offered two young pigeons, so that the life of this child might serve for the multiplication of offspring; for the pigeon is a prolific bird.
Clement of Alexandria
And when He says, "as suckling calves," He again alludes figuratively to us; and "as an innocent and gentle dove," the reference is again to us. Again, by Moses, He commands "two young pigeons or a pair of turtles to be offered for sin;" thus saying, that the harmlessness and innocence and placable nature of these tender young birds are acceptable to God, and explaining that like is an expiation for like. Further, the timorousness of the turtle-doves typifies fear in reference to sin.
Western Saints
Ambrose of Milan
But let us come to the turtle-dove, which the law of God has chosen as the offering of a chaste victim. Finally, when the Lord was circumcised, it was offered; for it is written in the law of the Lord that they should offer a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons. For this is truly the sacrifice of Christ, chastity of the body, and grace of the spirit. Chastity is referred to the turtle-dove, grace to the pigeon.
Bede
And to offer a sacrifice, according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. It is said in the law that for a child, if it is a male, as I have said before, on the fortieth day, if it is a female, on the eightieth day of birth, a year-old unblemished lamb for a burnt offering, and a turtledove or a young pigeon will be offered for a sin offering. …
Bernard of Clairvaux
Nor do groanings alone commend the turtledove; chastity also commends it. By the merit of this chastity indeed it was worthy to be given as an offering for the virginal birth. For so you have it: "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons" (Lk 2:24). And although elsewhere indeed the Holy Spirit is usually designated by a dove; yet because it is a lustful bird, it was not fitting that it be offered in sacrifice to the Lord, except at that age when it would not know lust. …
Translation