The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on Dec. 8, is always a holy day of obligation in the United States. In autumn of 2024, the Holy See directed that since the solemnity falls on a Sunday in Advent this year, it is to be observed with obligation on Monday, Dec. 9.
Due to the shortness of time to instruct the faithful on the directive and to ease their consciences over properly observing this obligation, Archbishop Nelson Pérez has dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Dec. 9 in the parishes, institutions, and religious communities in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Archbishop Pérez encourages the faithful to observe the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States, by attending the celebration of Mass as possible, to pray the rosary or engage in another devotion in honor of the Blessed Mother.
A document with more details, prepared by the archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship, is available here.
Mosaic tiles depicting the Immaculate Conception and various saints are seen in the Trinity Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The mosaic was dedicated Dec. 8, 2017. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)
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