Fasting Breaks for Feasting

Holly Dodd explains how special solemnities interrupt the Lenten season. How will you celebrate these special days with your family?

Every so often in the liturgical year, an extra special feast outranks what is already happening and we get a special celebration, and often that even occurs within Lent. This year we get two special feasts during Lent.

This Thursday, March 19th, is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, and the following Wednesday, March 25th, is the Solemnity of the Annunciation. As we prepare our hearts to remember the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord, we are called to stop to celebrate the lives of His earthly parents.

The Solemnity of Saint Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 19)

Saint Joseph has several feast days in the liturgical calendar, but this month we honor his role in the Holy Family, as the spouse of our Blessed Mother. There are many names for Saint Joseph, but in recent years, Pope Francis approved several official new invocations to pray for the intercession of Saint Joseph. These powerful titles include Guardian of the Redeemer, Servant of Christ, Minister of Salvation, Support in difficulties, Patron of exiles, Patron of the afflicted, and Patron of the poor.

Some parishes offer a blessing of bread at Mass on Saint Joseph’s feast. My kids like to make cream puffs (or Zeppole di San Giuseppe in Italian) on this day, a traditional Italian dessert in honor of St. Joseph. Catholic All Year offers more options for celebrating with food in this fun video: Catholic All Year at Home, Ep. 5: St. Joseph.

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 25)

On March 25th, begin the countdown to Christmas! We recall the day the Angel Gabriel visited Mary exactly nine months before she gave birth to her Son, Jesus. On this day we celebrate a Marian feast, as we remember Mary’s fiat, as well as a Feast of the Lord, as we remember the Incarnation of our Lord. Traditionally, March 25th was also believed to be the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.

If you don’t already pray the Angelus, this feast day is a perfect time to begin the thrice-daily prayer that brings to mind Mary’s yes. Learn more about this by reading "The Angelus: Recalling the Incarnation Daily." A family rosary would also be the perfect way to honor Mary on this day.

In Scandinavian countries, the word for Our Lady’s Day (Vårfrudagen) is so similar to the word for “waffle day” (Våffeldagen) that many locals eat waffles on March 25th to honor Mary. This is a fun easy way to remember Mary and have a not-too-sweet special treat to celebrate.

Solemnities Mark a Special Occasion, Even in Lent

If you go to daily Mass on these days, you will notice the liturgical color of white used instead of the Lenten purple. These days, celebrating the Holy Family is really so special and should not be overlooked. You might even consider relaxing your Lenten discipline on these days. No matter how much you take the opportunity to celebrate on these special Lenten solemnities, do take the time to thank God for the blessing of the Holy Family.

St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us.

Mary, Mother of our Lord, pray for us.

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Copyright 2026 Holly Dodd
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