Grace Thompson
February is dedicated to the Holy Family in the Catholic Church. While there are ten official Catholic holidays, February 18 is not one of them. However, it is the feast day of St. Gertrude, who was canonized in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI. Catholics are expected to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, of which there are nine other than Sundays in the Catholic calendar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is February 18th a Catholic Holy Day? | No |
| Is February a Catholic Holy Month? | Yes |
| What is the Catholic Holy Day closest to February 18th? | The Feast of St. Blaise (February 3rd) |
| What is the significance of the month of February in the Catholic Church? | Dedicated to the Holy Family; Beginning of Lent; World Day of Prayer for the Sick (February 11th) |
| How many Catholic Holy Days of Obligation are there? | Nine, in addition to Sundays |
Explore related products
![Daily Meditations with the Holy Spirit: Minute Meditations for Every Day Containing a Scripture, Reading, a Reflection, and a Prayer [Imitation Leather] Winkler O.F.M., Reverend Jude (Spiritual Life)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/816pmC4Bq9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
St. Gertrude's feast day
February 18th is not a Catholic holy day. However, the Catholic Church does have a St. Gertrude, whose feast day is celebrated on March 17th. This is also St. Patrick's Day, and St. Gertrude shares the date with him.
St. Gertrude of Nivelles was born in 626 and died in 659, at just 33 years old. She was the daughter of Pippin, who hosted a banquet when Gertrude was ten years old. The king attended the banquet and asked Gertrude if she would like to marry the son of a duke of the Austrasians. Gertrude refused, saying that she would marry no one but Christ the Lord.
Gertrude's mother, Itta, was concerned that her daughter would be kidnapped for marriage, so she shaved Gertrude's head in tonsure and built an abbey. This abbey became a double monastery, and Gertrude was appointed Abbess. However, she handed off administrative duties to focus on caring for the poor, sick, and elderly. She also built hospices, churches, and monasteries, and became known as the patron saint of gardeners, widows, and travelers. Her name was invoked to ward off mental illness, mice, and rats.
Gertrude is also regarded as the unofficial patron saint of cats. This association appears to have begun when the Metropolitan Museum of Art mentioned her as such in a catalog in 1981 or 1982.
There is another St. Gertrude, known as St. Gertrude the Great, or St. Gertrude of Helfta. She was born in Germany in 1256 and became a Benedictine nun. She was hailed as a mystic due to her deep relationship with God in prayer. Her feast day is celebrated on November 16th, and she is the patroness of the West Indies.
San Diego State University: Catholic or Public?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
February is dedicated to the Holy Family
The Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a particular devotion, and February is dedicated to the Holy Family. This tradition, which dates back to the 17th century, invites Catholics to reflect on the eternal significance of family life within the Catholic tradition. It is a time to reflect on the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, meditate on their virtues, and understand how they serve as a model for Christian families.
The month of February holds a unique resonance with the sacred bond and hidden life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. On February 2, Christians celebrate the Feast of the Purification, also known as the Feast of the Presentation, which occurs 40 days after the birth of Jesus. During this feast, Mary and Joseph, in obedience to Jewish law, presented Jesus in the temple to Saint Simeon, offering two turtledoves as required by the poor. This feast serves as a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter, as it highlights the devotion and sacrifice of the Holy Family.
Throughout February, Catholics are encouraged to honour and imitate the Holy Family in their own families. This includes praying together as a family and meditating on the virtues of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Holy Family is seen as the model for all families, exemplifying values such as love, prayer, charity, and forgiveness. By following their example, Catholic families can strengthen their own family life and appreciate the importance of family as the foundation of society.
In addition to the Feast of the Purification, February also includes other significant feast days and saints associated with the devotion to the Holy Family. These include St. Blaise on February 3, St. Agatha on February 5, St. Paul Miki and Companions on February 6, and St. Jerome Emiliani and St. Josephine Bakhita on February 8, among others. These saints provide additional opportunities for Catholics to reflect on the values and virtues that the Holy Family embodies.
While there are specific days dedicated to the Holy Family, such as the Feast of the Purification, Catholics are also encouraged to attend Mass on days other than the Sunday obligation to strengthen their devotion throughout the month of February and beyond. By doing so, they can seek the guidance and intercession of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their daily lives and strive to imitate them on the path of faith, love, and holiness.
Catholic University Education in Dublin, Ireland
You may want to see also
Explore related products
St. Valentine's Day
In the Roman Catholic rite, February 14th is also the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are honoured for making the liturgy accessible to the Slavs. Their contributions allowed people to understand and participate in the liturgy using their own language, paving the way for the Mass to be celebrated in the vernacular.
While St. Valentine's Day itself is not a Catholic holy day of obligation, the month of February holds significance in the liturgical calendar. It is dedicated to the Holy Family, marking the transition from Christmas to Easter. Various saints are commemorated throughout the month, including St. Blaise, St. Agatha, St. Paul Miki, St. Jerome Emiliani, and St. Josephine Bakhita, among others.
Overall, St. Valentine's Day is a festive occasion within the Catholic Church, celebrated through the exchange of heart-shaped confections and other romantic gestures. It serves as a reminder of the life and dedication of St. Valentine, who remains an important figure in the Catholic faith.
Exploring the Five Sacred Catholic Roles
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lent
February 18th is a significant date in the Catholic liturgical calendar as it marks the beginning of Lent, a period of penance, fasting, and preparation for the coming of Easter. Lent is observed by Catholics and some other Christian denominations as a time of spiritual discipline and reflection. It is a season of sacrifice and simplicity, where one's focus is directed towards prayer, penance, and charitable acts. The Lenten season lasts for approximately six weeks, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending around Easter Sunday.
The practice of Lent is rooted in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' own forty days of fasting and prayer in the desert, as told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During this time, Jesus retreated from public ministry and endured temptation by Satan. This biblical narrative forms the basis of Lent, a time when Christians imitate Jesus' example of sacrifice and preparation.
In addition to fasting and abstinence, almsgiving and performing acts of charity are also emphasized during Lent. Catholics are encouraged to give generously to those in need and to engage in works of mercy. This can involve donating to charitable organizations, volunteering time and talents to help others, or offering financial support to those less fortunate. The spirit of almsgiving reflects the Lenten theme of self-sacrifice and reminds Catholics of the importance of caring for their neighbors.
Another important aspect of Lent is reconciliation and preparing oneself spiritually for the celebration of Easter. Catholics are encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession, to seek forgiveness for their sins and to restore their relationship with God and the Church. This sacrament is often made available more frequently during Lent, providing an opportunity for spiritual reflection and a renewed commitment to Christian values.
During Lent, Catholics may also attend special liturgical services, such as Stations of the Cross, which commemorates the events of Jesus' Passion and death on the cross. These devotions help to create a sense of community within the Church and provide a space for prayer and meditation on the sacrifice made by Christ. Overall, the season of Lent is a time of spiritual transformation, self-examination, and growth in faith, leading Christians on a journey towards the joy and hope of Easter.
Exploring the Number of Catholic Patriarchs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Immaculate Conception
February is dedicated to the Holy Family in the Catholic Church. While February 18th is not a widely recognized Catholic holy day, it is the feast day of St. Gertrude, who was canonized in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI.
The Catholic Church teaches that Mary's sinlessness was necessary for her to be a worthy vessel for Jesus Christ, who is believed to be both fully God and fully man. By being preserved from the stain of original sin, Mary was able to give her consent to God's plan of salvation for humanity freely and without any hindrance from sin. This doctrine emphasizes Mary's unique role in the history of salvation and her importance as a model of faith and obedience for all Christians.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a time for Catholics to honor Mary and seek her intercession. It is a day of prayer and celebration, often including special Masses, processions, and other devotional activities. The liturgical color associated with this feast day is usually blue, symbolizing Mary's purity and her role as the Mother of God.
Spartanburg's Best Catholic Hospitals: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, February 18th is the feast day of St. Gertrude. Pope Benedict XVI canonized her in 2009.
Catholic holy days are days on which Catholics are expected to go to Mass. There are nine holy days of obligation outside of Sundays in the Catholic calendar, but local bishops can suppress or transfer some of them.
The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family. Some of the saints celebrated in February include St. Blaise (February 3), St. Agatha (February 5), St. Paul Miki (February 6), St. Jerome Emiliani (February 8), St. Scholastica (February 10), Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11), and St. Polycarp (February 23).
The most important and only religious public holiday in Catholicism is Christmas. Other important Catholic holidays include Easter, which is always celebrated on a Sunday.
