December the 8th, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many people assume the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Jesus, but it is in fact the conception of Mary herself.
Category: Feast Days
All Saints Day
There are more than 10,000 Saints recognised in the Catholic Church. To celebrate each one of them, on the 1st of November, we celebrate All Saints Day. This day is to venerate all the holy men and woman that were canonized by the Church. The first Saint, St Ulrich of Augsburg was canonised in 993, and more recently, St Carlos Acutis canonised in 2020.
St Francis of Assisi Memorial
On the 4th of October we celebrate the St Francis of Assisi Memorial – only 1 day after his date of birth. This feast commemorates the life of St Francis, the Patron Saint of animals and the environment.
The Assumption of Mary
On the 15th of August we celebrate The Assumption of Mary. The Assumption commemorates the belief that when Mary died, rather than going through the natural process of physical decay on Earth, both her soul and body were taken to Heaven, to be with her Son, Jesus.
Transfiguration of the Lord
The Transfiguration of Jesus is illustrated in the Bible, where he transfigures in radiant glory on the top of the mountain in front of Peter, James and John. This event, being one of the 5 major milestones of the life of Jesus, teaches us about the transformation we go through as one of his followers.
St Mary Magdalene Feast Day
Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus. She was one of the witnesses to his Crucifixion and burial and was the first person to see him after his Resurrection. This led her to be called ‘The Apostle of Apostles’. She has been a symbol of penitents for nearly 2000 years. We celebrate her Feast Day on the 22nd of July.
Immaculate Heart of Mary
This year on the 25th of June, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Immaculate Heart of Mary signifies the purity and love our Blessed Virgin Mary has for God. It also expresses her maternal love for Jesus Christ, her Son, and her love and compassion for all mankind.
Corpus Christi
The Latin words Corpus Christi translates to “Body of Christ”. On the 16th of June we celebrate the Solemnity of the most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi. On this day we acknowledge and celebrate the true presence of Christ within the Eucharist. This is one of the few liturgical celebrations that doesn’t reflect on a specific even from Jesus or Mary’s life, but rather his presence during Mass, through the bread and wine.
Pope Francis announces 10 new Saints
On Sunday the 15th of May, Pope Francis recognised 10 new Saints into the Catholic Church. This was the first canonization since 2019 where John Henry Newman among others were canonized.
Palm Sunday
This year on Sunday the 10th of April, we start the first day of Holy Week, which is historically the most sacred time of year. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.