Last week I received a question from a Genuflector:
“I’m just wondering why some saints/feast days/memorials are missing? For instance, St. Bernadette is April 16th. I know this year that falls on Holy Week, but I’m not seeing it on any year. Just wondering why some have made the cut and others didn’t.”
Since I maintain a Catholic Google Calendar, this is something I have wondered too. I’ve seen Feast Days from one year drop off the calendar the following year. And then some Feasts move around. But I’ve never stopped to find the answer.
Until now.
This week, Genuflect digs into the Liturgical Calendar, Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials, how Feast Days are determined and removed, and we also look at Saint Bernadette since she was the subject of the original question … and her story is so compelling and inspiring.
I love to receive questions, so if there’s anything about our Catholic faith that you’re curious about, please reach out.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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History of The Church Calendar
Today the Catholic Church’s calendar is clearly defined and closely followed. That was not always the case. For centuries churches and parishes did their own thing … until the Council of Trent introduced a Universal Calendar. Even then it took 450 years for the calendar to become well organized. Here’s a brief history lesson.
Understanding The Church Calendar | Simply Catholic
Norms for the Liturgical Calendar
The Liturgical Calendar tells the Universal Church how to worship on each day. Every day is not created equally, so a well-defined hierarchy is needed. Here is a reprint of the new translation of General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar which governs the Liturgical Calendar, published March 21, 1969. Take a look … it’s fascinating.
Library : Universal Norms on The Liturgical Year And The New General Roman Calendar | Catholic Culture
Feasts, Solemnities, And Memorials
We celebrate Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials. Do you know what the difference is between them? And what their hierarchy is? This article clears all this up.
It’s Time to Celebrate! Feasts, Solemnities, and Memorials | Cora Evans
Determining a Saint’s Date
You probably know that most Saint Feast days are on their heavenly birthday. But not always. Here’s what they take into account when determining the date.
How Does a Saint’s Feast Day Get Assigned a Date on The Calendar? | Aleteia
Feast Days During Lent
Philip Kosloski explains why it’s very difficult for a Saint to have a Feast day during Lent. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still observe and honor them.
What Happens to All The Saint Feast Days During Lent? | Aleteia
Why Saints Are Removed
Father Joseph Krupp explains how Saints make it onto the Liturgical Calendar and how or why they may be removed … and how we in fact celebrate all saints.
Are There Saints we Don’t Celebrate? If so, Why Not? | Faith Magazine
Too Many Saints Removed?
The Saints Feast Days recognized on the Liturgical calendar have changed over the years. Some Popes have pruned them a little, while others a lot. Peter Kwasniewski reflects on the 300 Saints removed in 1969 and his personal opinion that the more the merrier.
The Sanctoral Killing Fields: On The Removal of Saints From The General Roman Calendar | New Liturgical Movement
Still a Saint?
Is a Saint whose Feast Day is no longer included on the Liturgical Calendar still a Saint? And if so, can we still observe their day? Catholic Answers has the answers.
Is St. Christopher Still a Saint? | Catholic Answers
St. Bernadette’s Feast Day
In France Saint Bernadette is celebrated on February 18th. But the Universal Church has it on April 16th. Here’s why.
Why St. Bernadette Has a Feast Day in February And April | Aleteia
Bernadette Soubirous
If you’re not familiar with the story of Saint Bernadette, give this a read. EWTN provides her inspiring story here in her own words.
A Short Life of Bernadette | EWTN
Saint Restored to The Calendar
In 2002 Pope John Paul II restored a previously removed Saint to the Universal Calendar. Here’s who the lucky Saint is and why he felt compelled to do it.
Why John Paul II Restored This Saint to The Calendar | National Catholic Register
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