Catholic Holidays I Feast Days I Celebrations I Liturgical Calendar

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1)

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.

Epiphany (January 6 or the Sunday closest to it)

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.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) (February 2)

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.

Ash Wednesday

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.

Feast of St. Joseph (March 19)

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.

Annunciation (March 25)

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.

Palm Sunday (Sunday before Easter)

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

Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) (Thursday before Easter)

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.

Good Friday (Friday before Easter)

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

Holy Saturday (Saturday before Easter)

The day of waiting, when Jesus lay in the tomb. The Easter Vigil Mass, held after sunset, is the most beautiful liturgy of the year, featuring the blessing of fire, the Easter candle, and baptisms.

Easter Sunday (First Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox)

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).

Divine Mercy Sunday (Sunday after Easter)

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.

Ascension of Jesus (40 days after Easter, often observed the following Sunday)

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

Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter)

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.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

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.

Assumption of Mary (August 15)

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.

All Saints’ Day (November 1)

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

All Souls’ Day (November 2)

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

Christ the King (Last Sunday before Advent)

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

Immaculate Conception of Mary (December 8)

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

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)

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

Christmas Eve (December 24)

A night of joyful anticipation with Midnight Mass. Many families celebrate with feasts and Nativity scenes.

Christmas Day (December 25)

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.