The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, has granted a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Monday, December 9, 2024, for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. This holy day is typically celebrated on December 8. This year, December 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent. When a solemnity falls on a Sunday in Advent, out of reverence for our preparation to welcome the Lord on Christmas, the Church moves the holy day to the following day.
This dispensation does not diminish the importance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in the life of the Church, especially in the United States where the Blessed Mother is honored under this title as our patroness. While this dispensation is available, the faithful are encouraged to take advantage of the graces of the holy day, whether by attending Mass or by engaging in other acts of prayer, charity, and Christian witness.
