The “holiday season” is well-named. It’s not just Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, but also Sundays of Advent, The Feast of St. Nicholas, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Twelve days of Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, Epiphany, and the Baptism of Jesus. And also, of course, Hanukkah, Rohatsu or Buddha Day, Yule, and sometimes Ramadan and Eid.
I’ve come to really appreciate December 8th, which is both Buddha Day and Immaculate Conception Day. A wonderfully non-commercialized respite that’s sacred to Catholics, Japanese Buddhists, and anyone else who wants an excuse to take a break from the hustle and bustle. And although I have fairly little “Marian devotion,” I can’t wait to get to Mass tonight and sing “Salve, Regina,” one of my favorite hymns.
May all of us be inspired to follow the examples of Mary and the Buddha who in their different ways both brought the light of the world into the world.
I was aware of Bodhi Day but not being Catholic I was unaware of the Immaculate Conception Day. Thank you for posting this as I have always been enamored of Catholic practices. I love the line in the Bible that says: “…and Mary kept silent, but pondered these things in her heart.”
This may have been one of the best teachings in the Christian Scriptures.
Peace
Mark
Egads, did I miss a holy day of obligation? Eek!
Yes, you did, Julie girl!
But I absolve you. Just say ten Hail Marys on your mala while sitting in full lotus!
what a lovely season of holy days. thank you for introducing me to Buddha Day.
Happy Holidays, Jon!
Eek, gads! Somebody’s boyfriend works at a Catholic church and is going to hear about his lapse… lol…