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Browsing News Entries

Vatican, Italian officials take stock of jubilee year; 33.4 million pilgrims came from 185 nations (CWN)

Posted on 01/6/2026 03:01 AM (CatholicCulture.org - Catholic World News)

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, one of the two pro-prefects of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said at a Vatican press conference yesterday that at least 33.4 pilgrims from 185 countries came to Rome for the 2025 jubilee year (video).

Jan. 6 Tuesday after Epiphany; Opt. Mem. of St. André Bessette, Religious (US); Epiphany (in some dioceses), Opt. Mem.

Posted on 01/6/2026 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

In the USA the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of Saint André Bessette (1845-1937) was born near Quebec, and entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross as a Brother. He performed humble tasks for over forty years and entrusted all of the poor and sick who flocked to his cell to the care of St. Joseph. During his life he was able to have a chapel built to the spouse of the Virgin Mary. After his death, the shrine grew into the great basilica known as St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal.

Jan. 5 Memorial of St. John Neumann, Bishop (USA); Monday after Epiphany, Memorial

Posted on 01/5/2026 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Jan. 4 The Epiphany of the Lord, Solemnity

Posted on 01/4/2026 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

On the Epiphany of the Lord, after the singing of the Gospel, a Deacon or cantor, in keeping with an ancient practice of Holy Church, announces the Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts following this formula.

Jan. 3 Saturday of Christmas Time; Opt Mem of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Opt. Mem.

Posted on 01/3/2026 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Jan. 2 Memorial of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors, Memorial

Posted on 01/2/2026 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Jan. 1 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), (Holy Day of Obligation USA), Solemnity

Posted on 01/1/2026 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Dec. 31 Seventh Day within the Octave of Christmas; Opt Mem of St. Sylvester I, Pope, Opt. Mem.

Posted on 12/31/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Dec. 30 Sixth Day within the Octave of Christmas, Weekday

Posted on 12/30/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Dec. 29 Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas); Opt Mem of St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr, Opt. Mem.

Posted on 12/29/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Today is the Fifth day within the Octave of Christmas. The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170), bishop and martyr. He was born in London and after studying in Paris, he first became chancellor to the king and then in 1162 was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury. He went from being "a patron of play-actors and a follower of hounds" to being a "shepherd of souls." He absorbed himself in the duties of his new office, defending the rights of the Church against Henry II. This prompted the king to exile him to France for six years. After returning to his homeland he endured many trials and was murdered by agents of the king.