Advent
Saturday, December 19, 2026
On Saturday, December 19, 2026, the Catholic Church is in Advent and the liturgical color is purple. The Church celebrates St Anastasius I.
Liturgical color: Purple
Day 21 of Advent this year, with 5 days to go.
Caravaggio · The Flagellation of Christ · 1607 · public domain
Saint of the day
Optional
St Anastasius I
(d. 401) Pope praised by Jerome as a man of rich poverty and apostolic solicitude, who condemned the errors attributed to Origen and rebuked Donatism in Africa. Jerome judged Rome unworthy to keep him long: he reigned but three years.
Saint Anastasius, rich in poverty, pray that our brief tasks be done entirely.
This season
- Advent 2026: the day-by-day calendarA reflection prompt for every day to Christmas, the wreath, the O Antiphons
- O Radix Jesse — tonight's O AntiphonO Root of Jesse: the Latin, an English translation and its Scripture
- St Andrew Christmas Novena — day 20 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
Luke 1:37
Read it in context — the whole Catholic Bible is in the app, offline and free.
Frequently asked
What liturgical color is worn on December 19, 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 19, 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 19, 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 19, 2026?
St Anastasius I. (d. 401) Pope praised by Jerome as a man of rich poverty and apostolic solicitude, who condemned the errors attributed to Origen and rebuked Donatism in Africa. Jerome judged Rome unworthy to keep…
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