Holy days of Obligation are “Days on which the faithful are bound to attend Mass and rest from servile work.” As we anticipate the new year, let’s explore the Holy Days of Obligation in 2024 according to the Traditional Catholic calendar, their significance, and how to observe them.
Note: Holy Days of Obligation depend per country. In the US, Epiphany is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
Holy Days of Obligation in 2024 as observed in the Traditional Catholic calendar
- All Sundays
In the Catholic calendar, all Sundays are considered holy days of obligation. The designation of Sundays as holy days of obligation is rooted in the theological and historical significance of the Lord’s Day.
The obligation to keep the Sabbath holy is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). In the Christian tradition, Sunday replaced the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) as the day of rest and worship to honor the Resurrection. Therefore, attending Mass on Sundays fulfills the commandment to “keep holy the Lord’s Day.”
- Circumcision (January 1, 2024)
The circumcision of Jesus, also known as the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, is a Christian feast day that commemorates the event described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:21) when Jesus, as an infant, was circumcised according to Jewish custom on the eighth day after his birth. This feast day is celebrated on January 1, and it is sometimes referred to as the Octave of Christmas.
- Epiphany – January 6, 2024
The biblical account of the Epiphany is found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1-12). It tells the story of the Magi, often described as wise men from the East, who followed a star to find the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Note: Holy Days of Obligation depend per country. In the US, Epiphany is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Ascension – May 9, 2024
The Ascension of the Lord is a time to commemorate Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It marks the end of the Easter season and the beginning of the preparation for Pentecost. Attending Mass on this day allows us to reflect on Christ’s glorification and mission.
- Assumption – August 15, 2024
The Assumption is a significant event in Christian theology and a feast celebrated in the Catholic Church. It commemorates the event when our Blessed Virgin Mary was taken up into heaven, both body and soul, at the end of her earthly life.
- All Saints’ Day (November 1, 2024)
All Saints’ Day is a day to honor and venerate all the saints, known and unknown. It reminds us of the communion of saints and the call to holiness in our lives. Attending Mass, learning about the lives of saints, and seeking their intercession are common practices on this holy day.
- Immaculate Conception (December 8, 2024)
Pope Pius IX formally defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 1854, through the papal bull “Ineffabilis Deus.” In this document, he declared that Mary was preserved from original sin at the moment of her conception.
- Christmas Day (December 25, 2024)
The pinnacle of the liturgical year, Christmas Day, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for joy, family, and reflection on the Incarnation.
How to Observe Traditional Holy Days of Obligation in 2024
- Attend Mass: On these holy days, attending Mass is an obligation under the pain of mortal sin.
- Reflect and Pray: Take time to meditate on the theological significance of each holy day. Offer prayers of gratitude and seek spiritual growth.
- Acts of Charity: Emulate the virtues of the saints and engage in acts of charity and kindness on these special occasions. It’s a way to put your faith into action.
Conclusion
In 2024, the traditional Catholic holy days of obligation offer us unique opportunities to deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with God. These sacred occasions remind us of the rich tapestry of the Catholic tradition, connecting us to the lives of saints, the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Ascension of our Lord, and the birth of Jesus Christ.
Holy Days of Obligation in 2024 as per the Traditional Catholic Calendar
Here are the Holydays of Obligations in 2024 as observed per the 1962 missal and Traditional Catholic Liturgical Calendar.
| Date | Holyday of Obligation |
| All Sundays | |
| Jan 1, Mon | Circumcision |
| Jan 6, Sat | Epiphany (not a HolyDay of Obligation in the US) |
| May 9, Thu | Ascension |
| Aug 15, Thu | Assumption |
| Nov 1, Fri | All Saints Day |
| Dec 8, Sun | Immaculate Concepcion |
| Dec 25, Wed | Christmas |
Read our article on the Ember Days for 2024
For more guidance on the Traditional Catholic Holy Days of Obligation, read these articles: