Changes to the Liturgical Calendar

OBLIGATORY MEMORIAL – SAINTS MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS
On January 26, 2021, a CDWDS Decree indicated that July 29—the Obligatory Memorial of Saint Martha—will hereafter include her sister and brother, Saints Mary and Lazarus. (They had already been included on this date in the 2004 Roman Martyrology.)  Moreover, in some particular calendars, the three are already celebrated together.

“Therefore, the Supreme Pontiff, Pope FRANCIS, considering the important evangelical witness they offered in welcoming the Lord Jesus into their home, in listening to him attentively, in believing that he is the resurrection and the life, and accepting the proposal of this dicastery, has decreed that 29 July be designated in the General Roman Calendar as the memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus” (Prot. N. 35/21).

The Memorial should appear under this title in all calendars and Liturgical Books for the celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.  New prayers have been issued, but must be translated by the various episcopal conferences worldwide.

NEW OPTIONAL MEMORIALS
In addition, a February 2, 2021 Decree by the same Congregation announced that the following are to be inscribed in the General Roman Calendar as Optional Memorials:

• St. Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church (27 February)
• St. John De Avila, Priest and Doctor of the Church (10 May)
• and St. Hildegard of Bingen, Virgin and Doctor of the Church (17 September).

Even though these additions to the sanctoral calendar take effect immediately, approved translations of the prayers are still forthcoming.


Click here for more information or go to the USCCB website.