Observation of holy day of obligation for Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception moved to Dec. 9 this year November 20, 2024By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Worship & Sacraments Archbishop William E. Lori announced that the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be transferred to Dec. 9 this year. The solemnity is normally observed Dec. 8, but was moved because Dec. 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent this year. In previous years, when Dec. 8 fell on a Sunday and the solemnity was observed on Monday, the obligation to attend Mass did not transfer with the observance, according to Archbishop Lori. This year will be different based on guidance provided by the Dicastery for Legislative Texts in Vatican City. Catholics in the archdiocese are asked to attend Mass on the solemnity as a holy day of obligation. The solemnity celebrates the dogma that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. In 1846, while meeting in Baltimore, the U.S. bishops adopted a decree naming Mary, “conceived without sin,” as patroness of the United States. Pope Pius IX approved the choice and placed the United States under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception in 1857. Catholics are required to attend Mass on holy days of obligation. Also read: ‘Full of grace’ Read More Local News Catholic Charities strengthens Fugett Center offerings with partnerships Catholics asked to step up for Maryland’s Virtual Catholic Advocacy Day New vision ahead for pastoral councils Sister Joan Elias, leader in Catholic education, dies at 94 Speaker and musician Nick De La Torre to lead pre-Lenten mission in Frederick County Deacon Lee Benson, who ministered in Harford County, dies at 73 Copyright © 2024 Catholic Review Media Print
