Mass Schedule for New Year’s

Each year, one week after Christmas on January 1, the Catholic liturgical calendar celebrates The Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. How’s that for a long title? This feast has been known by many other titles over the years including The Circumcision of Jesus and The Maternity of Mary.

This octave day (eighth day) of Christmas is a reminder that our Blessed Mother truly gave birth to Christ; and, because he took his flesh from hers, she is in fact, his mother. The Gospel of the Day is almost identical to same Gospel heard on Christmas Day for the Mass at Dawn (Luke 2:15-20). January 1st’s Mass has Luke 2:16-21 and verse 21 is the key, which says,

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Because of the great role that Mary has in salvation history, and as a continuation of the celebration of Christmas, January 1 is a holyday of obligation for all Catholics. On this day we continue to celebrate our newborn King and honor our Mother who said “yes” to God’s plan.

Masses here at the basilica will be:

• Wednesday, December 31 at 5:00pm
• Thursday, January 1 at 10:00am
  • Shrine Devotions in honor of our Blessed Mother will follow Mass