Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials
Honoring Christ, Mary, the Angels, and the Saints
What Are Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials?
Solemnities, feasts, and memorials are special liturgical celebrations in the Church calendar.
Through them, the Church honors the mysteries of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, the apostles, martyrs, and saints.
Solemnities
Solemnities are the highest-ranking celebrations in the liturgical calendar.
They mark the greatest mysteries of the faith, such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, the Most Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, and major celebrations of Our Lord and Our Lady.
Feasts
Feasts are important celebrations that usually honor events in the life of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles, evangelists, and major saints.
They help the faithful remember the mighty works of God and imitate the holiness of those who followed Christ faithfully.
Memorials
Memorials are liturgical celebrations that honor saints and holy events in the life of the Church.
Some memorials are obligatory, meaning they are normally celebrated. Others are optional, allowing local churches or communities to observe them according to devotion and pastoral need.
Why They Matter
- They keep the mysteries of Christ before the Church.
- They honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints.
- They teach Catholics to live by holy examples.
- They unite the Church in common prayer and worship.
- They remind us that holiness is possible by God’s grace.