Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Manila issued a directive allowing its Catholic devotees to be excused from their mass obligations on the evenings of Dec. 24 and 31.
The eves of Christmas Day, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2024, when the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, both fall on a Sunday.
Also, Christmas Day and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God are considered “holy days of obligation” when Catholics are expected to attend mass and refrain from any work or recreation.
According to his Circular No. 2022-108, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula noted that masses from 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 would become Vigil Masses for Christmas Day, including the Midnight Mass.
Also, Vigil Masses for the Jan. 1 solemnity will begin on the evening of Dec. 31.
“We decree that those who participate in the evening masses on (Dec. 24) satisfy both their Sunday obligation and their Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord obligation,” he said.
He added, “Those who participate in the evening masses on (Dec. 31) satisfy both their Sunday obligation and the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God obligation.”
The declaration meant that Catholics attending evening masses in the Archdiocese of Manila on Dec. 24 and 31 can choose not to join masses on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
The adjustments follow the Catholic Church’s General Norms on the Liturgical Year and Calendar that provides “the reckoning of solemnities (like Christmas Day and Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God) begins already on the evening of the previous day,” Advincula said. — Ghio Ong
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Credit belongs to: www.philstar.com
