Holy Day of Obligation question

[Gorgias]

It’s not that unusual. We fulfill an anticipated obligation whenever we attend a vigil.

Ahh, but that’s different. That’s an obligation that already binds, and we’re fulfilling it early. In this case, we’ve got a ‘non-obligation’ – something that doesn’t yet bind (unless and until he returns in time) – and an attempt to fulfill an obligation that doesn’t yet exist!

 

[Gorgias]

The way air travel goes these days, the thought of driving to a 10 pm Mass after a day of negotiating airports, cramped flights, delays, etc., would nearly kill me. And perhaps some innocent bystanders as well if I fall asleep at the wheel.

God doesn’t command us to the impossible nor does He ask us risk harm to our selves to get to Mass.

 

[Zekariya]

In my diocese, the Solemnity of the Ascension is still observed on Thursday. This year, I will be traveling home from a business trip on that day, starting the day in a diocese where the Ascension is observed the following Sunday, but arriving home in the evening. I will not be able to attend a Mass in the morning due to my business meeting, and in any case, that Mass would not be for the Ascension but rather for an Easter weekday.

Am I required to attend an evening Mass when I get home, since the Holy Day is being observed here? I believe the local Newman Center has a 10:00 p.m. weeknight Mass which (assuming I make all my flights) I would be able to attend.

Thoughts?

You should ask your priest’s opinion and follow it.

 

[Zekariya]

Father Z is not a canonist, but see this discussion of his on this very subject…

This was well put by Fr Z, “in a diocese where Our Lord’s earthly sojourn has been liturgically delayed to Sunday”. I can’t help but laugh!