Holy Days of Obligation
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (January 1)
Our Church leaders gave Mary a special title: Theotokos. This is a Greek word that means “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.” Ascension of the Lord (the Sunday that follows forty days after Easter) Does the Ascension affect our lives in the here and now? Is it a commemoration of an event which occurred 2000 years ago? Or, could it be the key that helps unlock the very meaning of our lives and the plan of God for the entire created order? He is the Head and we are members of His Body. We cannot be separated. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15) The significant feast day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God. All Saints Day (November 1) The feast of All Saints calls on Catholics to see the church as the communion of saints -- as Christ meant it to be -- and not to focus on it as an earthly institution with members who sometimes sin, Pope Benedict XVI said. Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8) Mary’s Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus’ redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus’ work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset. Christmas (December 25) Advent, the period of waiting and preparation are concluded with the feast of Christmas. To Christians of the Western world, Christmas always seems to be more important than the Epiphany, despite the fact that the latter feast is of higher rank. |
When should Fasting and Abstinence be observed?
Canon 1249: All Christ's faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to do penance. However, so that all may be joined together in a certain common practice of penance, days of penance are prescribed.
Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those ages 14 (from day following 14th birthday) through lifetime are obliged to abstain. Persons age 18 (beginning the day following 18th birthday) until and including 59th birthday are bound by the FASTING obligation. |