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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
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Monday, December 9, 2024This year, December 8th is the Second Sunday of Advent. As a result, the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of
America, will be transferred to Monday, December 9th.
In previous years when December 8 has fallen on a Sunday it was the practice in the United States to indicate that the obligation to attend Mass does not transfer with the liturgical observance. Currently, both the 2025 Ordo and USCCB 2025 Liturgical Calendar reflect this past practice.
Given recent clarifications on this practice from the Dicastery for Legislative Texts and the USCCB Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, we now know that the feast “must be observed as a day of obligation on the day to which it is transferred.” In light of this information, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9, 2024 is to be observed as a holy day of obligation, contrary to what was published in the Ordo and USCCB 2025 liturgical calendar before receipt of the clarification.
In short, the Solemnity of immaculate conception is moved to Monday, December 9, and it is a holy day of obligation. Bishop Jerome wishes all the faithful to celebrate this important solemnity. Please inform your parishes and organize the Mass.
Very Rev. Andrea Filippucci
Vicar General, Diocese of St Thomas in the Virgin Islands
