C
CALDE
Guest
That’s a pretty common perception, but I believe it is a misunderstanding.
Canon Law is pretty clear that the day is 24 hours from midnight to midnight unless explicitly stated otherwise.
It is also clear when it states that the obligation to assist at Mass is fulfilled by attending on the holyday itself or the evening of the previous day. (If the day began at 6pm, the evening of the previous day would need be 2 days before the date, no?) The canon does not distinguish among Masses which may be celebrated to fulfill an obligation.
However:
The celebrations of solemn feasts do begin on the evening of the previous day. The selection of prayers and readings indicates what feast is being celebrated. But if there’s no obligation to assist at Mass, such a vigil or anticipated celebration cannot be said to “count” for anything.
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- It is not a misconception. It is the only way to explain the three days of Jesus being in the tomb.