Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Lorene Hanley Duquin

Holy days of obligation are significant in the Catholic Church, honoring special events or individuals. Catholics are required to attend Mass on these days or the preceding evening. This tradition has been a part of church history since early Christians observed Jewish holy days.

As Christianity evolved, Jewish observances were replaced by days commemorating events in Jesus' life and honoring apostles, martyrs, and Our Lady. These celebrations often included festivals with special foods, music, processions, and customs.

In 1911, Pope Pius X established eight official holy days for the universal church; two more were added in the 1917 Code of Canon Law. However, over time, the sense of obligation overshadowed celebration for many Catholics.

Canon 1246 lists ten holy days, but only the Vatican observes all. In the United States, six are recognized: Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1); Ascension (40 days after Easter); Assumption (Aug. 15); All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1); Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8); and Nativity (Dec. 25). Bishops can modify these dates locally.

To reclaim these holy days as celebrations rather than obligations requires understanding their significance and incorporating traditions into observance:

- **Jan. 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God** - This day honors Our Lady as Mother of God and is also a day of prayer for world peace.

- **Ascension** - Traditionally marked with processions and picnics celebrating Jesus' ascension into heaven.

- **Aug. 15: Assumption** - Celebrates Our Lady being taken bodily into heaven with various cultural customs.

- **Nov. 1: All Saints’ Day** - Honors all saints with traditional foods from fall harvests and visits to cemeteries.

- **Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception** - Commemorates Mary's conception without original sin; a day for reflection on her submission to God's will.

- **Dec. 25: Nativity** - Christmas is rich in traditions celebrating Jesus' birth.

These celebrations offer opportunities to renew faith and bring spiritual meaning to life amid secular influences.