Faith Facts

14th August:  St Maximilian Kolbe
15th August:  The Assumption of Mary – New Zealand’s Patron Saint (Holy Day of Obligation)

What is a Holy Day of obligation?  The obligation to participate in the Mass. The obligation to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God.

In New Zealand, we now have only two of these additional holy days of obligation apart from Sunday. They are Christmas Day and the feast of the Assumption, August 15. Mary’s assumption into Heaven is also the patronal feast of the Catholic people in New Zealand. Having now only two of these additional holy days of obligation might be added reason to celebrate them well. Consequently, from now on they are holy days of obligation whenever they fall, including Saturdays and Mondays.