Holy Days of Obligation Solution

by asiel · April 8, 2016

From Luky Whittle, Kroonstad – Nicholas Mitchell of Port Elizabeth (March 2) asks the bishops to restore the ancient calendar feasts of the Assumption and Ascension to holy days of obligation.

Father James Grant, recently appointed head of St Dominic's Priory School, celebrates Mass

Father Michael Theron CO, Head of Ethos at St Dominic’s Priory School, celebrates Mass

After many decades of few or no Catholic schools, two or three generations have mainly attended non-Catholic schools. Consequently, the faithful have fewer catechetical advantages and less sensus fidei than those enjoyed by Catholics 60 years ago.

Many catechism pupils know nothing at all about holy days of obligation and the majority cease attending Sunday Mass soon after their Confirmation.

Their minds need to be straightened out and they need to be re-attracted to the Eucharistic celebrations, perhaps by our sending them on pilgrimages to Rome, Lourdes, Fatima or — more affordably — Ngome.

As for Mr Mitchell’s concerns, perhaps the bishops’ decision was taken to avoid heaping unbearable obstacles on people with jobs. I suggest that on the calendar dates of the feasts, priests should organise a day of continuous adoration before the Blessed Sacrament with pensioners, unemployed and self-employed parishioners taking one-hour turns throughout the day, culminating with Mass in the evening.

If the priests would preach on the events on the preceding as well as the succeeding Sundays, more Catholics might become aware of just how good and beneficial it would be for them to celebrate those occasions.