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Friday, December 29, 2006

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

1 comment:

Gerry S said...

Solemnity on New Years. I thought this day was always an holy day of obligation? I see on EWTN the Pope is celebrating a special Mass, so why is there something different in the US? At least in my parish bulletin (Baltimore diocese) it is advertized: Holy Day of Mary, Mother of God – January 1st:

There will be 3 Masses to celebrate the Holy Day of Mary,

Mother of God:

Sunday December 31st - 4:00pm

Monday January 1st - 8:30am and 10:00am.

I see in the neighboring Washington DC diocese no more than a couple miles up the road:

Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Vigil, Sunday, December 31

Mass at 11 p.m. in the Chapel

Feast Day, Monday, January 1

10 a.m. and 12 noon Masses in the Church
(10 a.m. Mass will be offered for the
Sacred Heart Association**)

Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Because this feast falls on a Monday, the faithful are not obligated to attend Mass or abstain from servile work. However, all are encouraged to celebrate this great feast day and the start of the New Year.

So, why is our Pope celebrating a special Mass, as well as my Baltimore parish, but not the neighboring DC parish/ diocese?

Gerry