HOLIDAYS

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A Holy Day of Obligation, this feast honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of Jesus, emphasizing her role in salvation history. It is also a day of prayer for world peace.

Celebrates the visit of the Magi (Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus, signifying the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles. Many cultures observe it with special traditions such as gifts, processions, and blessing of homes.

Commemorates Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the temple, where Simeon recognized Him as the "Light to the Nations." It is called Candlemas because of the blessing of candles symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World.

Marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of fasting, prayer, and penance. Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and mortality.

Honors St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and the patron saint of workers and the Universal Church. Many cultures celebrate with special meals, particularly in Italy and among Italian-American communities.

Celebrates the Angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit. This feast is exactly nine months before Christmas, emphasizing the Incarnation of Christ.

Commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed Him with palm branches. It marks the start of Holy Week.

The day of the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and priesthood. The Church often celebrates with the Washing of the Feet, recalling Jesus’ act of humility.

A solemn day marking Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Catholics fast and pray, attending the Stations of the Cross and the Veneration of the Cross.

Commemorates Jesus’ bodily ascension into heaven. It marks the end of His earthly mission and the preparation for the Holy Spirit’s coming.

The most important feast in Christianity, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and victory over sin and death. It is a joyful time with Mass, feasting, and traditions like egg hunts (symbolizing new life).

Instituted by St. John Paul II, this day emphasizes God’s boundless mercy, inspired by the visions of St. Faustina Kowalska. Many Catholics pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Commemorates Jesus’ bodily ascension into heaven. It marks the end of His earthly mission and the preparation for the Holy Spirit’s coming.

Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Church. The color red is used in liturgies to symbolize the flames of the Spirit.

Honors the mystery of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a day to reflect on the unity and love of God.

Celebrates the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Many Catholic communities hold Eucharistic processions through the streets.

Devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart, symbolizing His immense love for humanity. Many Catholics consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart on this day.

The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, celebrated on June 29, honors two of the most important apostles in the early Church. St. Peter, the first pope, and St. Paul, the great missionary, played vital roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing the foundation of the Church.

A Holy Day of Obligation, celebrating the belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven. This teaching highlights her special role in salvation history.

Honors all the saints in heaven, known and unknown. It is a day of rejoicing and a Holy Day of Obligation.

A day to pray for the souls in Purgatory, asking God’s mercy for them. Many visit cemeteries and light candles in remembrance.

Proclaims Christ as King of the Universe, emphasizing His ultimate authority and the hope of His second coming.

Celebrates that Mary was conceived without original sin, preparing her to be the Mother of Jesus. This is a Holy Day of Obligation.

Commemorates Mary’s apparition to St. Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. It is especially important in Latin American Catholic traditions.

Celebrates Jesus’ birth as the Savior of the world. It is one of the most widely celebrated Christian holidays worldwide, marked by Mass, carols, and family gatherings.