A Moveable Holy Day of Obligation

Today, August 15, is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. When her earthly life came to an end; before the decay of death could touch her, Christ summoned her home to heaven.

Throughout most of the rest of the world, the Catholic Faithful will attend Mass today, and then again tomorrow as Sundays are always days of Holy Obligation. For Americans, and other places that have chosen to follow the American Conference of Bishops, today’s obligation has been moved to Sunday. The Bishops believe that requiring Catholics to attend Mass two days in a row places an undue hardship or burden on them, and so they are given an “out”. Interestingly enough, when Christmas falls on a Saturday or a Monday, we are expected to attend Christmas Mass AND Sunday Mass. There is no free pass, no special dispensation granted. I could not help but to wonder, if at Christmas we attend Mass twice, why is that not a hardship or undue burden? What makes the other Holy Days of Obligation differnt, allowing them to be moved about? You know me, I had to go in search of acceptable answers.

Once upon a time Holy Days of Obligation were also Holidays. People were not expected to work on those days. Christmas is probably one of the few Holy Days that is also considered a Holiday as far as the work force is concerned. Holy Days of Obligation are intended for more than just to spend an hour in Church. Canon Law spells out what is expected of us even in today’s modern, busy world.

“Can. 1247 – On Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body.“

Simply put, on Holy Days of Obligation, you take the day off from outside distractions. It makes sense when you realize that Holy Days are the Lord’s day, and the Lord is very clear on what He wants from us on a day of rest.

Another reason for transferring Holy Days from Saturday or Monday to a Sunday according to the Bishops is that there might be a lack of priests available to conduct Mass two days in a row. Now to me, that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but whatever.

In our home, today is a somber day. It marks 6 years since our daughter’s passing. For us the day is bitter-sweet. I know she is at rest until the final day when we will all be together again in heaven; there is comfort in that. I also ache to hear her voce one more time, and that is sad.

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Limóncello Custard French Toast with Bursting Blueberry Syrup
Bursting Blueberry Syrup
3/4 cup Sugar
2 tablespoon Cornstarch
3/4 cup Water
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
2 cups Blueberries

In a medium saucepan, add sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Whisk together, bring to a gentile boil over medium-high heat. Add the blueberries.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 or 5 minutes; until the blueberries burst and the syrup starts to thicken. Remove from heat. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Limóncello Custard French Toast
2 Eggs
1 cup Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons Limóncello or to taste
1 tablespoons Sugar
6 thick slices Bread
Butter as desired

Beat eggs until light and pale. Whisk in heavy cream and Limóncello. Sweeten if necessary with a little sugar. Set Limóncello Kissed custard aside.

Heat griddle or flat pan to medium heat. Lightly butter the griddle. Cut bread in half creating triangles. Dip in the custard mixture. Fry for about 2 minutes or until golden. Flip, lightly butter toast while still on the griddle.

Serve with syrup and enjoy

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Blessed are they who hear the word of God
and observe it.