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Explanation of Holy Days

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

This feast is a celebration of Mary’s motherhood of Jesus.   On this day, we are reminded of the role that the Blessed Virgin played in the plan of our salvation.  Through the Holy Spirit, God the Father prepared Mary to be the dwelling place where His Son and His Spirit could dwell among men.  Christ’s birth was made possible by Mary’s fiat, or sanctioning of God’s plan with her words, “Be it done to me according to thy word”.  Calling Mary “Mother of God” is the highest honor we can give to her.  Just as Christmas honors Jesus as the “Prince of Peace”, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God honors Mary as the “Queen of Peace”.  New Year’s Day is also designated as the “World Day of Peace”, further acknowledging the role of Mary in our hearts and in our world.

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the feast day we celebrate Mary's assumption into Heaven when her earthly life ended.

The Solemnity of All Saints

All Saints' Day is the feast day on which we celebrate the saints of the Catholic Church, named and unnamed, who have died and who now rejoice forever with God in heaven.  It is celebrated on November 1 each year.   All Souls' Day, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, follows on November 2. On this day, the Church commends to God all those who have died, especially those who have died since last All Souls' Day. We pray for them, that God will completely cleanse them of sin and bring them into heaven.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates that Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mother of God, was herself conceived without sin in preparation to be the mother of Jesus.   It is universally celebrated on December 8, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary, which is celebrated on September 8. It is the patronal feast of the United States.

The Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ celebrates the birth of Jesus.  It is celebrated on December 25 each year world-wide.