Holy Day of Obligation

The Latest

A firefighter in Rome pays tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary by laying a wreath of fresh flowers at her statue atop a column near the Spanish Steps at dawn on Dec. 8, 2023.

Immaculate Conception on an Advent Sunday: When to go to Mass?

Dec 7, 2024

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated each year on Dec. 8. This year its observance is “transferred” to... Read more

A crowd prays the rosary in Madrid, Spain, on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patron saint of Spain, Dec. 8, 2023.

Vatican: Holy days of obligation not dispensed if transferred to a Monday

Nov 1, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

The Vatican said that certain feast days are established by canon law as days of obligation. These “must be observed”... Read more

Assumption of the Virgin Mary fresco painting in San Petronio Basilica in Bologna, Italy.

The fascinating history of the feast of Mary’s assumption

Aug 15, 2024

This feast day is a relatively new one but the history of the holy day and the mystery behind it... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his Sunday Angelus message to about 20,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Oct. 22, 2023.

Here is what Pope Francis is doing for the week of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days

Oct 31, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

At the Vatican, Pope Francis will mark this holy and significant season with prayer and two liturgies. Read more

The Ascension of Jesus Christ. Giotto di Bondone, 1305. public domain.

Is Thursday a holy day of obligation? It depends on where you live

May 17, 2023

By Tina Dennelly

May 18 is Ascension Thursday, the day the Church marks 40 days since Jesus’ resurrection and the day he ascended... Read more

Mikokoro Center, Nagoya, Japan.

Assumption speaks to Japan's Catholics, missionary says

Aug 13, 2013

The Feast of the Assumption is an important celebration for Catholicism in Japan because of its link to both death... Read more