Thursday, December 7, 2006
Friday December 8, 2006: Holy Day of Obligation

This Friday is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It is a holy day of obligation in the United States and several other countries meaning all Catholics are bound to attend Holy Mass. Failure to attend Mass, without a sufficient reason, is indeed a Mortal sin.

CCC 1861: "Mortal sin ... If it is not redeemed by repentance and God's forgiveness, it causes exclusion from Christ's kingdom and the eternal death of hell, for our freedom has the power to make choices for ever, with no turning back."

9 comment(s):

del_button December 7, 2006 at 12:23 AM
DP said...

Ummm, not a Holy Day of Obligation everywhere. Not here in Canada. I'm going to Mass anyways, but I'm just pointing out that not all Catholics are obligated to to Mass on Dec. 8th, only in those countries where it is in fact a day of obligation.

Of course, we should always remember that we should be striving for spiritual excellence, not merely doing the minimum. (Think rich young man : I've followed all your commands Lord, now what? [paraphrasing obviously])

del_button December 7, 2006 at 1:29 AM
Anonymous said...

The 8th is not a Holy Day of Obligation here in Singapore too. I hope many Catholics will still attend Mass just as well.

del_button December 7, 2006 at 2:06 AM
Anonymous said...

I'm attending (gratuitous post).

del_button December 7, 2006 at 9:47 PM
Matthew said...

Thanks for the clarifications on Canada and Singapore.

del_button December 8, 2006 at 3:48 PM
Anonymous said...

I think we need to be cautious about using the terminology "mortal sin" -- in order to be called mortal it has to fulfill three conditions: Grievous matter, Sufficient reflection and Full consent of the will. Only two can judge whether it is mortal or not - the person him/herself, and God. Just saying it's dangerous to label another person's sin as mortal without knowing all of the facts, which we are never in the position to do unless we are judging our own consciences.

del_button May 21, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Anonymous said...

i am also attracted to the Traditional Mass and discerning a Call to priestly life.

Do pray for me.

del_button May 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Matthew said...

Kenneth, if you would like to join my group vocations blog, please feel free to contact me.

God bless.

del_button December 8, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Anonymous said...

Um, correct me if I'm wrong but after 17 years of Catholic school my understanding is that a Holy Day of Obligation is a day of obligation for ALL practicing Catholics, no matter their country of residence. It is a uniform practice of the Catholic Church as a whole and the Church does not recognize distinct practices for each country.

del_button December 8, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Anonymous said...

And also, in response to JMC's post above,the U.S. does not have a "patron" or "patroness" saint. There is, afterall, separation of church and state in the U.S.

And I completely agree with the anonymous comment above regarding the use of the term "mortal sin". I feel that, in some cases, a follower's fervor for his/her chosen faith leads to many misconceptions and misinterpretations. This is dangerous... If it is a personal belief of your own, that is one thing as a person's personal faith is a powerful and moving thing, but it should be recognized as such and not put forth as a matter of fact or as part of the creed of their religion.

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