The Catholic Women's League of Canada

World Day of Peace
2028-01-01
World Day of Peace, celebrated on January 1, 2025, focuses on the theme Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace, chosen by Pope Francis. Linked to the Jubilee Year, the theme emphasizes hope, forgiveness and unity. The message, inspired by Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, calls for lasting peace through personal and global change. Pope Francis urges Catholics to be disarmed in heart, foster forgiveness, selflessness and justice, turn anxiety into hope, and build a better world and true peace beyond human compromises. Members are urged to greet the New Year by joining the Holy Father in his prayer for forgiveness and peace.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
2028-01-01

New Year's Day (Holy Day of Obligation)
2028-01-01

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors (Memorial)
2028-01-02

Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity)
2028-01-02
Happy New Year! On Sunday, January 4th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. It is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. Let us acknowledge and witness together this epiphanic revelation of God, whose salvation is for all.

The Most Holy Name of Jesus (Optional Memorial)
2028-01-03

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (USA Memorial)
2028-01-04

The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity in some regions, often a Holy Day of Obligation)
2028-01-06

St. Andre Bessette (Memorial)
2028-01-07
Following the Epiphany of the Lord, Catholic Canadians memorialize St. André Bessette and his deep devotion to Saint Joseph. Known as Brother André, he was the porter at College Notre Dame in Montreal, welcoming visitors and inviting them to pray through St. Joseph’s intercession. This led to the creation of a small chapel, which later became St. Joseph’s Oratory. As the patron of family caregivers, St. André’s intercession for the sick and afflicted can be sought by praying the attached prayer.

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
2028-01-09
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Jesus’ baptism reminds us of our mission to experience the presence of God within us, to acknowledge our own dignity as God’s children, and to appreciate the Divine Presence in others by honoring them, loving them and serving them in all humility.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
2028-01-15 - 2028-01-22
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world January 18-25, though the week may be observed to include two Sundays. The theme for this year is, Do you believe this? (John 11-26) in recognition that 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the first Christian Ecumenical Council held in Nicea, Constantinople. Christians express their personal “I believe” in praying the Nicene Creed and seeking a deeper understanding of ecumenism by meeting, celebrating liturgy and praying our oneness in Christ with Christians of other denominations.

Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot (Memorial)
2028-01-17

Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop
2028-01-24

Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor (Memorial)
2028-01-28

World Wetlands Day
2028-02-02

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
2028-02-02

St. Blaise (Optional Memorial)
2028-02-03

St. Agatha (Memorial)
2028-02-05

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
2028-02-06

Saints Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs (Memorial)
2028-02-06

International Development Week
2028-02-06 - 2028-02-12

International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
2028-02-08
St. Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan in 1869, was kidnapped at age nine and sold into slavery. Her captors gave her the name “Bakhita,” meaning “fortunate.” She endured brutal treatment, being sold multiple times. At 14, she was bought by an Italian consul whose kindness led to her conversion to Christianity. She was baptized as Josephine and chose religious life after gaining freedom in adulthood. Her memorial, celebrated on February 8th, is an occasion to pray for victims of human trafficking and continued awareness and advocacy against it.

Saint Jerome Emiliani (Optional Memorial) and Saint Josephine Bakhita (Optional Memorial)
2028-02-08

St. Scholastica (Memorial)
2028-02-10

World Day of the Sick
2028-02-11
World Day of the Sick (February 11th) honours Jesus’ ministry to the sick, which Pope John Paul II established to offer prayers for those suffering from illness. The day coincides with the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes and emphasizes the importance of caring for the sick. It acknowledges the dedication of healthcare workers and pastoral caregivers who minister to the afflicted. The church encourages members to pray for the needs of the sick, highlighting the vital role of service to those who are ill and suffering.

Our Lady of Lourdes (Optional Memorial)
2028-02-11

Have a Heart Day
2028-02-14

St. Valentine
2028-02-14

World Day of Social Justice
2028-02-20

St. Peter Damian (Optional Memorial)
2028-02-21
