OBLIGATION OF THE FAITHFUL TO ATTEND MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
On the basis of Canon 1246§1 of the Code of Canon Law, the faithful of our Diocese are obliged to attend Mass on Christmas Day, apart from attending Mass on Sundays. Since 24 December 2023 happens to fall on a Sunday, Cardinal Stephen CHOW, S.J., has decided to adopt the following discretionary provision:
Parish churches which regularly celebrate evening Masses on Sundays are to use the liturgical text for Christmas (Vigil or Proper) for the evening Masses on December 24. The faithful who will be unable to attend Mass on Christmas Day, by attending an evening Sunday Mass on December 24, are considered to have fulfilled the dual obligation of attending Mass on Sunday and Christmas day. This discretionary provision is valid for this year only.
