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Religious_Education>> The Faith>> The Church>> Holy Days of Obligation
Holy Days of Obligation
January 1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
March or April – Easter Sunday.
May – Ascension of Jesus.
August 15 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
November 1 – All Saints’ Day.
December 8 – Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary.
December 25, – Christmas.
In the Catholic Church there are designated holy days of obligation, throughout the year. On these days the faithful are required to participate in Mass.These holy days of obligation for Catholics can vary slightly from one contry to another. Rooted in canon law of the church, and they reflect the importance of these celebrations in the liturgical calendar.
It’s important to note that holy days of obligation can vary by country. Since the Blessed Virgin Mary is the patroness of the Americas, many of the holy days of obligation in the United States revolve around her life.
The Immaculate Conception, according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, was the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. Mary was conceived naturally but God kept her soul immaculate, i.e. free from original sin. The official confirmation of the dogma was defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, although the belief that Mary was sinless and conceived free from sin is very old.
The Feast of Immaculate Conception is celebrated in Catholic Church on December 8. In many countries it is a holy day of obligation, among others, in the United States, Argentina, Austria, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Immaculate Conception is sometimes confused with the conception of Jesus Christ in Mary's womb, while it refers to Mary herself.
Is the Feast of Immaculate Conception Obligatory?
Yes, it is obligatory, at least in the United States. The obligation of attending Mass may be lifted only if Dec. 8 falls on Sunday and the celebration of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to the following Monday, i.e., Dec. 9.
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