Ash Wednesday – March 6, 2019
This year, Ash Wednesday falls on March 6th. The
beginning of Lent brings a renewed period of reflection, repentance, and prayer
for all Catholics. Ash Wednesday is a Holy Day of Obligation, in which we are
asked to fast, attend Mass to receive our Ashes, and receive Reconciliation.
St. Patrick’s Day – March 17
Sometimes called, the “Apostle of Ireland”, St. Patrick is
the main Patron Saint of Ireland as he is regarded as the founder of
Christianity in the country. Believed to be alive in the 5th century, St. Patrick was born in
Ireland before being captured by Pirates and put to work in Ireland. St.
Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin was founded in 1191, and is the country’s
National Cathedral, and tallest church. St. Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day of
Obligation in Ireland, and Dublin throws a large city-wide parade each year.
New York City has hosted a St. Patrick’s Day parade every year since 1756. It
has grown to an average of 150,000 marchers, who walk by the beautiful NYC St.
Patrick’s Cathedral, waving t some two (2) million spectators.
St. Joseph’s Day – March 19
This Feast day celebrates St. Joseph, the husband of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Joseph’s Day is also the Patronal Feast Day for Poland
and Canada, as well as being noted as Father’s Day in several countries - as
Joseph was Jesus’s legal father. Around the world, many Catholics honor this
day by setting “Saint Joseph’s Table” in their homes decorated with holy cards,
candles, food, and the color red.
Visit Poland on Tour 168