In the Middle Ages theologians argued questions such as “how many angels can fit on the head of pin?”, in the 21st century, students of theology argue questions such as “what days count in Lent and of those that don’t count in Lent when do they start? This was important business for us because we [have 4 Lent-free days from the 17th of March to the 25th of March. These feasts are: The Feast of St. Patrick, patron of our diocese, March 17th, feast of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the 20th of March the Transitus of St. Benedict (this only applies to the Benedictines, but since we were a Benedictine school, we quickly co-opted it but here in the Diocese of Sacramento it doesn’t count) on the 23rd and lastly, March 25th The Annunciation ]. The three feasts that apply to us, have the highest rank of feasts which is called “Solemnity.” Solemnities are feasts of great importance in the life of the Church, either the universal Church or particular part of the Church (like a diocese or a parish). Most solemnities celebrate an important part of our faith or an important moment, others are days of celebration and thanksgiving for God’s blessing and providence (like the feast of the patron saint of a diocese or parish). This is why on that day they interrupt the liturgical season, and so we have 3 days that are “breaks” from Lent. Today is Laetare Sunday which is day of “restrained joy,” we see that Easter is closer, only 3 weeks away! These little breaks are meant to remind of us the joy of Easter and encourage us to remain dedicated to our Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. On these three days we can enjoy the things we gave up for Lent with a clear conscience. But as we do so, we should also give thanks to God for these great saints and the wonder that is our faith and our Salvation, won by His Son on the Cross. We should attend Mass if we are able and make a good Communion. But we should treat all solemnities like this, not only the ones that fall during Lent. In different places there are traditions connected to these great feasts. In Poland, for example, they bless herbs on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Italy has a beautiful tradition called St. Joseph’s table which is laden with many dishes and sweets and shared with the poor. The Feast of St. Martin of Tours is celebrated with a roast goose. Other important feasts days should be incorporated into our personal days, the day of our baptism, the feasts of our patron saints. We might have to be creative but bringing these celebrations into our daily lives helps us bring the liturgical life we celebrate in Mass into our homes and our daily lives. This in turn helps enrichen our sense of connection to the saints and our personal spiritualties. Your Father in Christ, Fr. Estrella