Advent
Thursday, December 17, 2026
On Thursday, December 17, 2026, the Catholic Church is in Advent and the liturgical color is purple. The Church celebrates St Lazarus of Bethany.
Liturgical color: Purple
Day 19 of Advent this year, with 7 days to go.
Caravaggio · The Crowning with Thorns · c. 1602-04 · public domain
Saint of the day
Optional
St Lazarus of Bethany
(1st century) Brother of Martha and Mary, the friend for whom Jesus wept and whom he called from the tomb after four days — the sign that sealed his own death sentence. Eastern tradition makes Lazarus later a bishop in Cyprus, buried at Kition.
Saint Lazarus, called out by name, pray that we hear the voice that wakes the dead.
This season
- Advent 2026: the day-by-day calendarA reflection prompt for every day to Christmas, the wreath, the O Antiphons
- O Sapientia — tonight's O AntiphonO Wisdom: the Latin, an English translation and its Scripture
- St Andrew Christmas Novena — day 18 of 25The prayer, fifteen times today
- Novenas being prayed todaySt Andrew Christmas Novena, Christmas Novena (Simbang Gabi, Las Posadas)
About Advent
Advent is the Church's four-week preparation for Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before 25 December. It looks two ways at once: back to the Incarnation, and forward to Christ's return. The mood is watchful rather than penitential — the Gloria is omitted at Mass, but the Alleluia stays.
Why purple?
Purple is worn in Advent and Lent, and at funerals: preparation, penance, and mourning.
Verse of the day
Rev 22:20
Read it in context — the whole Catholic Bible is in the app, offline and free.
Frequently asked
What liturgical color is worn on December 17, 2026?
Purple, the color of Advent. Purple is worn in Advent and Lent, and at funerals: preparation, penance, and mourning.
What liturgical season is December 17, 2026 in?
Advent. Advent is the Church's four-week preparation for Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before 25 December. It looks two ways at once: back to the Incarnation, and forward to Christ's return. The mood is watchful rather than penitential — the Gloria is omitted at Mass, but the Alleluia stays.
Is December 17, 2026 a holy day of obligation in the United States?
No. In the United States the holy days of obligation are Mary, Mother of God (1 January), the Assumption (15 August), All Saints (1 November), the Immaculate Conception (8 December), and Christmas (25 December); the Ascension is observed on a Thursday or the following Sunday depending on the diocese.
Which saint is celebrated on December 17, 2026?
St Lazarus of Bethany. (1st century) Brother of Martha and Mary, the friend for whom Jesus wept and whom he called from the tomb after four days — the sign that sealed his own death sentence. Eastern tradition makes…
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