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The Feast of Annai Velankanni, or Our Lady of Good Health, falls on September 8 . Celebrations at Velankanni (also spelled Vailankanni), in Tamil Nadu begin on August 29 and continue through September 8. The devotion recalls ancient traditions of Mary appearing with the Child Jesus and is centered at one of India’s most important Christian pilgrimage shrines. Artistic impression of Annai Velankanni, Our Lady of Good Health, holding the Child Jesus in a radiant heavenly scene, with the white Basilica of Velankanni in the background, the boy carrying milk, the boy selling buttermilk, and Portuguese sailors caught in a storm, reflecting the well-known Velankanni devotional tradition. Table of Contents When Is the Feast of Annai Velankanni? What Is the Story of Annai Velankanni? Why Is Velankanni Called the Lourdes of the East? Why Is Annai Velankanni Important to Catholics? How Is the Annai Velankanni Feast Celebrated? When Is ...

The Immaculate Conception falls on Tuesday, December 8, 2026 . It celebrates the conception of the Virgin Mary, who from the first moment of her existence was preserved from original sin by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. It does not refer to Jesus being conceived in Mary’s womb; that is the virginal conception of Christ celebrated at the Annunciation. Traditional Christian image of the Blessed Virgin Mary representing the Immaculate Conception, shown in prayer with heavenly light, a crescent moon beneath her feet, and imagery recalling the woman of Revelation. Table of Contents When Is the Immaculate Conception in 2026? What Is the Immaculate Conception? What Is the Biblical Basis for the Immaculate Conception? Why Did God Preserve Mary from Original Sin? What Does the Immaculate Conception Mean in Catholic Teaching? Why Is the Immaculate Conception Celebrated on December 8? How Is the Immaculate Conception Celebr...

Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026 , and continues until the Church begins the celebration of Christmas on Thursday, December 24, 2026 . It has four Sundays and begins a new Catholic liturgical year. Its starting date changes because Advent begins on the Sunday falling between November 27 and December 3. The season prepares Christians for Christ’s birth and for His return in glory. Traditional Christian Advent image showing an Advent wreath with four candles—three violet and one rose—with one candle lit, while Mary and Saint Joseph journey toward Bethlehem in hopeful preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Table of Contents When Does Advent Start and End in 2026? Why Does the Date of Advent Change Every Year? What Is Advent and Why Do Christians Celebrate It? What Are the Four Sundays of Advent in 2026? What Do the Advent Wreath, Candles, and Colors Mean? How Is Advent Celebrated in the Catholic Church? When ...