The feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, Dec. 9, is a holy day of obligation. Catholics are required to attend Mass for the feast day, which celebrates the Blessed Mother’s conception without sin. Mary, under the title of her Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States.
The Immaculate Conception is typically celebrated on Dec. 8, but since Dec. 8 falls on the Second Sunday of Advent, the solemnity is transferred to the next day this year. Previously, when the date of a holy day of obligation was transferred, the obligation to attend Mass was removed. But earlier this year, Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, clarified with the Vatican the guidelines to follow when such a situation arises in Advent, Lent or Easter.
While some dioceses in the U.S. have dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass, the obligation remains in place in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
