Celebrating Feast Days this Week

Feast of Saint Nicholas

The Feast of Saint Nicholas is observed on December 6. It is the feast day of the 4th-century bishop Nicholas of Myra with particular regard to his reputation as a bringer of gifts.

Saint Nicholas Church in Pennsylvania came together to celebrate their patronal feast day by bringing forth to the altar toys, games, and gifts which will benefit people in need in the community.

“The last couple years were very low key because of the pandemic. This year, we really wanted to revive the spirit and enthusiasm so we reached out to the kids in faith formation, the kids in Saint Nicholas/Saint Mary School. I think we succeeded in stirring up the fire again. We’re really happy,” pastor Father Joseph Verespy said.

At the conclusion of Mass, after the final blessing concluded, the parish received word that a special visitor had arrived – Saint Nicholas himself, accompanied by his helper, Ruprecht – who was played by 11-year-old Adam Martino.

“This is the time to show people that we love them, even when we don’t know them,” Saint Nicholas told the crowd.

To read more about celebrating the Feast of Saint Nicholas from the Diocese of Scranton, click here. 

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, is on December 8, a holy day of obligation.

There is a common misconception that this feast day refers to the virginal conception and the birth of Christ, but in fact, it celebrates Mary's being conceived without inheriting Original Sin. 

Click here for the full text of Pope Francis' prayer on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception!