A solemnity is one of the highest-ranking celebrations in the Roman calendar and marks a mystery of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a saint of major significance.
The liturgical color for this observance is White. Purity, joy, and major celebrations of the Lord and saints who are not martyrs.
The Christmas season celebrates the Incarnation of the Lord from Christmas through the Baptism of the Lord.
Christmas season
Why this day matters
The octave day of Christmas honors Mary under the title Mother of God and places the new year under the mystery of the Incarnation.
Mary, Mother of God is observed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in the Christmas season. It is kept as a solemnity with the liturgical color White. The octave day of Christmas honors Mary under the title Mother of God and places the new year under the mystery of the Incarnation. Saints: The Blessed Virgin Mary. In many places this is treated as a holy day of obligation, but local bishops’ conferences may determine details of observance.
Saints connected with this date
Holy day note: In many places this is treated as a holy day of obligation, but local bishops’ conferences may determine details of observance.