Holy Days

Holy Days Question from on 06-06-2007:

Reading through the forums, I'm a bit confused on the proper way to act on a Holy Day that has been moved to a Sunday or is not celebrated in the country you're traveling/living in (I'm currently abroad for a semester). The obligation to attend Mass is no longer there. In another response it was mentioned that one doesn't need to take off from work/school, but that the day should still be respected as a solemnity. Does this mean no shopping, doing little or no servile work, and making extra time for prayer? What other days are observed as solemnities that aren't mentioned in our Days of Obligation? Thanks!

Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 06-08-2007:

There are many solemnities: Easter Sunday and the entire octave of Easter, Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, Pentecost, Mary Mother of God, Joseph Husband of Mary, Annunciation, Most Holy Trinity, Body and Blood of Christ, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Birth of St. John the Baptist, Sts. Peter and Paul, Assumption of Mary, All Saints, Christ the King, Immaculate Conception, and local/proper solemnities (e.g., the name of a particular church or local patron). I would suggest that you not regard solemnities as burdens but days of joy and celebration. And one is still free to attend Mass on those days, even if not strictly required.

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