Holy Days of Obligation are specific feast days in the Catholic Church when the faithful are required to attend Mass and refrain from unnecessary work, similar to Sundays. These days are significant in the liturgical calendar and commemorate important events in the life of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints. The number and specific days can vary by country, but in the United States, the following six Holy Days of Obligation are observed.
List of Holy Days of Obligation in the United States
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
- This feast celebrates the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary without original sin, affirming her role as the Mother of God.
- Christmas (December 25)
- This day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central event of the Christian faith, marking the Incarnation of the Word1.
- Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (January 1)
- Also known as the Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord, this feast honors both the circumcision of Jesus and the role of Mary in salvation history.
- Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord (Forty days after Easter)
- This feast celebrates the ascension of Jesus into heaven, marking the conclusion of His earthly ministry and the promise of His return.
- Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15)
- This solemnity commemorates the assumption of Mary into heaven, body and soul, reflecting her unique role in the mystery of salvation.
- Feast of All Saints (November 1)
- This day honors all saints, known and unknown, recognizing their intercession and example for the faithful.
Additional Considerations
In addition to these six, other solemnities may be observed as Holy Days of Obligation depending on local customs and the directives of the bishops’ conference. For instance, the Solemnity of the Epiphany (January 6) and the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) may also be observed as Holy Days of Obligation in some regions, though they are not universally mandated.
The Code of Canon Law specifies that Sundays are the primary Holy Days of Obligation, emphasizing the importance of the weekly celebration of the Eucharist as the foundation of the Christian life3. The faithful are encouraged to participate fully in these liturgical celebrations, as they are vital to the life of the Church and the spiritual growth of its members.