Holy Day of Obligation

The Latest

Pope Francis delivers his Sunday Angelus message to about 20,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Oct. 22, 2023.

Here is what Pope Francis is doing for the week of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days

Oct 31, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

At the Vatican, Pope Francis will mark this holy and significant season with prayer and two liturgies. Read more

Assumption of the Virgin Mary, fresco painting in San Petronio Basilica in Bologna, Italy.

The fascinating history of the feast of Mary’s assumption

Aug 15, 2023

This feast day is a relatively new one but the history of the holy day and the mystery behind it... Read more

The Ascension of Jesus Christ. Giotto di Bondone, 1305. public domain.

Is Thursday a holy day of obligation? It depends on where you live

May 17, 2023

By Tina Dennelly

May 18 is Ascension Thursday, the day the Church marks 40 days since Jesus’ resurrection and the day he ascended... Read more

Mikokoro Center, Nagoya, Japan.

Assumption speaks to Japan's Catholics, missionary says

Aug 13, 2013

The Feast of the Assumption is an important celebration for Catholicism in Japan because of its link to both death... Read more