One can readily see then, that trying to “fit in” Mass attendance into one’s work day is not the spirit of Holy Days of Obligation. Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body. 1247: On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. In modern times this expectation still exists in canon law: Can. The entire day was dedicated to God, not just an hour of worship. Secondly, Catholic holy days have their root in Jewish holy days, when all temporal activity was expected to cease. Mass attendance was but one part of what was expected on those days. A Holy Day of Obligation was a day of rest and prayer. A Holy Day of Obligation meant there was no work that day-as on a holiday. What is the reasoning behind the transfer of certain Holy Days of Obligation, such as the Ascension, to the closest Sunday?įirstly, it is important to remember that historically holy days were generally the same as holidays.

However, it is for pastoral reasons, that the Solemnity of the Ascension, which joyfully celebrates the completion of Christ’s work of redemption, may be transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. While Easter is a moveable feast, celebrated on a different date in March or April every year, the 40th day after Easter has always been, will always be, a Thursday. Traditionally, the Solemnity of The Ascension of the Lord has been celebrated 40 days after Easter in keeping with the Scriptural reference in Acts: “To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking of the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

St john ascension