Advent
Monday, December 21, 2026
On Monday, December 21, 2026, the Catholic Church is in Advent and the liturgical color is purple. The Church celebrates St Peter Canisius.
Liturgical color: Purple
Day 23 of Advent this year, with 3 days to go.
Caravaggio · Saint Catherine of Alexandria · c. 1598 · public domain
Saint of the day
Optional
St Peter Canisius
(1521–1597) Dutch Jesuit and Doctor of the Church, called the second apostle of Germany, who answered the Reformation with patience and three catechisms so popular that 'knowing your Canisius' meant knowing your faith. He forbade polemic that shamed opponents.
Saint Peter Canisius, courteous controversialist, pray that we defend the faith without contempt.
This season
- Advent 2026: the day-by-day calendarA reflection prompt for every day to Christmas, the wreath, the O Antiphons
- O Oriens — tonight's O AntiphonO Dayspring: the Latin, an English translation and its Scripture
- St Andrew Christmas Novena — day 22 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 1:45
Read it in context — the whole Catholic Bible is in the app, offline and free.
Frequently asked
What liturgical color is worn on December 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 2026?
St Peter Canisius. (1521–1597) Dutch Jesuit and Doctor of the Church, called the second apostle of Germany, who answered the Reformation with patience and three catechisms so popular that 'knowing your Canisius' meant…
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