Home » Local events in various countries » USA (Washington, DC) Blessing of the Bambinelli & Lighting of the Cristmas Tree

USA (Washington, DC) Blessing of the Bambinelli & Lighting of the Cristmas Tree

This year the National Shrine will host its first annual Blessing of the Bambinelli and Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Sunday, December 21, 2014, at the 4:30 p.m. Mass.

Bring the Baby Jesus from your Nativity scene to be blessed at the National Shrine on this Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Events in April 2026

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
			1	2 CANADA Pope John Paul II Day All Day - CANADA Pope John Paul II Day Pope John Paul II Day is celebrated in Canada CANADA Pope John Paul II Day, Feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod All Day - Feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod Celebrated worldwide but especially at his shrine in the Philippines Feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod, Holy Thursday (Maunday Thurday): Mass of the Lord's Supper All Day - Holy Thursday (Maunday Thurday): Mass of the Lord's Supper Holy Thursday (also called Maunday Thursday) is celebrated in the Catholic Church with the Mass of the lord's Supper. The term Maunday originates from the Latin word mandatum, which translates to "command" or "mandate". The "new commandment" (Mandatum Novum) was given by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper (John 13:34-35), instructing them to… Holy Thursday (Maunday Thurday): Mass of the Lord's Supper	3 Good Friday All Day - Good Friday Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is central to The Faith, marking Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and atonement for humanity's sins. While a day of mourning, it is "good" because it is seen as the necessary path to Easter's resurrection and humanity’s salvation. Many… Good Friday, ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross 2:00 pm - ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross All young people visiting Rome are invited to the San Lorenzo Center every Friday for the procession of the World Youth Day Cross followed by The International Mass, often is celebrated by Bishops and Cardinals of the Vatican, and even the Pope on previous occasions. ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross	4 Feast of Saint Isidore All Day - Feast of Saint Isidore Here is the cathedral of Saint Isidore in Leon, Spain. Feast of Saint Isidore
5 Easter Sunday 12:00 am - 1:00 am Easter Sunday Easter Sunday, Feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer All Day - Feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer You will find the tomb of Saint Vincent Ferrer in Vannes, France Feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer	6	7 Feast of Saint Francis de La Salle All Day - Feast of Saint Francis de La Salle You will find the Sanctuary of St Francis de La Salle in Rome. Feast of Saint Francis de La Salle	8	9	10 Paris, France: 24-hour Mass for Persecuted Christians All Day - Paris, France: 24-hour Mass for Persecuted Christians A continuous 24-hour Mass will take place at Saint-Roch Church in Paris, France, on April 10 and 11, offering prayers for more than 388 million Christians worldwide who suffer persecution for their faith in Jesus. Paris, France: 24-hour Mass for Persecuted Christians, ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross 2:00 pm - ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross All young people visiting Rome are invited to the San Lorenzo Center every Friday for the procession of the World Youth Day Cross followed by The International Mass, often is celebrated by Bishops and Cardinals of the Vatican, and even the Pope on previous occasions. ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross	11 Divine Mercy Sunday All Day - Divine Mercy Sunday Divine Mercy Sunday is a Catholic feast day celebrated on the Sunday after Easter (the Octave of Easter) to celebrate God's immense mercy, often associated with special graces and the promise of complete forgiveness of sins. Instituted by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000 based on revelations to St. Faustina Kowalska, it focuses on… Divine Mercy Sunday, Feast of Saint Gemma Galgani All Day - Feast of Saint Gemma Galgani Her shrine is here in Italy. Feast of Saint Gemma Galgani, Feast of Saint Stanislaus All Day - Feast of Saint Stanislaus His tomb is here in Krakow, Poland Feast of Saint Stanislaus
12	13 Feast of Peter Faber All Day - Feast of Peter Faber Born in 1506 in Savoy (France), Peter Faver was a shepherd who pursued academic studies in Paris, where he met and became close friends of Saint Ignatius Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier. Saint Peter Faber was known for his gentle, humble approach to spiritual guidance, often guiding people through the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius, his… Feast of Peter Faber, Feast of Saint Margaret of Castello All Day - Feast of Saint Margaret of Castello Patron saint of the disabled, blind, and unwanted, pro-life movements those living in poverty and for those rejected by religious orders. Her tomb is here in Castello, Italy. There is also a shrine to her in Columbus, Ohio Feast of Saint Margaret of Castello, Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa	14 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa, Feast of Saint Liduina (Lidwina) All Day - Feast of Saint Liduina (Lidwina) Lidwina was a Dutch mystic who is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church. She is the patroness saint of the town of Schiedam, of chronic pain, and of ice skating. Lidwina is also thought to be one of the first documented cases of multiple sclerosis. You will find her shrine here in Schiedam,… Feast of Saint Liduina (Lidwina)	15 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa, Feast of Saint César de Bus All Day - Feast of Saint César de Bus Born to a noble family in France, Saint César de Bus (1544–1607) lived a worldly life in his youth before a profound conversion experience, leading him to priesthood in 1582. He founded the Congregation of the Fathers of Christian Doctrine (Doctrinaries) to promote religious education. A former soldier turned reformer, he is considered a patron… Feast of Saint César de Bus	16 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa, Feast of Saint Bernadette All Day - Feast of Saint Bernadette Bernadette of Lourdes celebrated this day Feast of Saint Bernadette, Feast of Saint Stanislaus All Day - Feast of Saint Stanislaus Stanislaus was born in Poland in 1030. His parents were from a noble family, yet they were childless until their fervent prayers were answered with the birth of Stanislaus. As a result of this gift to their prayer, they dedicated their new baby to the service of God. He was educated and ordained a priest,… Feast of Saint Stanislaus	17 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa, Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (Canada only) All Day - Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (Canada only) Called "The Lilly of the Mohawks". She is celebrated for her vow of chastity, intense piety, and resilience despite persecution, smallpox scars, and poor health, becoming the first Native American saint canonized by the Catholic Church in 2012. Her feast day is celebrated on April 17 in Canada.....in the U.S. it is celebrated on July… Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (Canada only), ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross 2:00 pm - ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross All young people visiting Rome are invited to the San Lorenzo Center every Friday for the procession of the World Youth Day Cross followed by The International Mass, often is celebrated by Bishops and Cardinals of the Vatican, and even the Pope on previous occasions. ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross	18 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa, Feast of St Vincent Pallotti (founder of The Pallatines) All Day - Feast of St Vincent Pallotti (founder of The Pallatines) The church containing his incorrupt body is here in Rome. Feast of St Vincent Pallotti (founder of The Pallatines)
19 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa	20 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa, Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) All Day - Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata, celebrated here in Castelpetroso, Italy and elsewhere. Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows)	21 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa, Anniversary of the Founding of Rome...many venues are free today All Day - Anniversary of the Founding of Rome...many venues are free today Anniversary of the Founding of Rome Anniversary of the Founding of Rome...many venues are free today	22 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa	23 Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa All Day - Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first major overseas trip: Africa from April 13-23, 2026. The 70-year-old Pope's trip will focus on peace and supporting the poor in the rapidly growing Catholic region.....second-largest continent in both land area and population, following Asia. His Apostolic Journey will take him to the following countries: Algiers Monday, April… Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa	24 ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross 2:00 pm - ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross All young people visiting Rome are invited to the San Lorenzo Center every Friday for the procession of the World Youth Day Cross followed by The International Mass, often is celebrated by Bishops and Cardinals of the Vatican, and even the Pope on previous occasions. ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross	25 Feast Day of Saint Mark All Day - Feast Day of Saint Mark Celebrated around the world, an especially at his tomb here in Venice. Feast Day of Saint Mark
26 Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel All Day - Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel Her Feast day is celebrated worldwide, and her original image is found here in Gennazzano, some 40 miles Southeast of Rome. Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Miracle of the "Grasshopper Chapel" All Day - Miracle of the "Grasshopper Chapel" The plague of grasshoppers devastated Cold Spring Minnesota...the towns people invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Miracle of the "Grasshopper Chapel"	27	28 FRANCE Feast Day of Saint Louis de Montfort - FRANCE Feast Day of Saint Louis de Montfort Here in his home town you will find the house where he was born. FRANCE Feast Day of Saint Louis de Montfort, ITALY, U.S. & CANADA Feast Day of St. Gianna Molla - ITALY, U.S. & CANADA Feast Day of St. Gianna Molla Feast day of Saint Gianna Molla ITALY, U.S. & CANADA Feast Day of St. Gianna Molla	29 Death Anniversary of Servant of God Gertrude Barber All Day - Death Anniversary of Servant of God Gertrude Barber Noted for her work to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities and bring them to full participation in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities. She died on this day in 2000. Death Anniversary of Servant of God Gertrude Barber, Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena All Day - Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena Here Shrine is here in Rome in the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva When her Feast Day was added to the Roman Calendar in 1597, it was put on the day of her death, April 29. Because of a conflict with the feast of Saint Peter of Verona, which was also on April 29,… Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, ITALY (Reggio Emilia) Feast of Our Lady of Ghiara - ITALY (Reggio Emilia) Feast of Our Lady of Ghiara Feast of Our Lady of Ghiara celebrated annually on this day in Reggio Emilia, Italy ITALY (Reggio Emilia) Feast of Our Lady of Ghiara, ITALY (Siena) & Worldwide: Saint Catherine of Siena N/A - ITALY (Siena) & Worldwide: Saint Catherine of Siena Celebrated in Siena, Italy and elsewhere around the world. View More Info ITALY (Siena) & Worldwide: Saint Catherine of Siena	30 Feast of Pope Saint Pius V All Day - Feast of Pope Saint Pius V Pius V was instrumental in defeating the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto as well as implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent. His tomb is in Rome. Feast of Pope Saint Pius V, Feast of Our Lady of Africa All Day - Feast of Our Lady of Africa The Feast of Our Lady of Africa is celebrated not only in Africa, but around the world. Feast of Our Lady of Africa, Feast of Pope Saint Pius V All Day - Feast of Pope Saint Pius V His tomb is here in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome Feast of Pope Saint Pius V

CANADA Pope John Paul II Day

Feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod

Holy Thursday (Maunday Thurday): Mass of the Lord's Supper

Good Friday

ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross

Feast of Saint Isidore

Easter Sunday

Feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer

Feast of Saint Francis de La Salle

Paris, France: 24-hour Mass for Persecuted Christians

ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross

Divine Mercy Sunday

Feast of Saint Gemma Galgani

Feast of Saint Stanislaus

Feast of Peter Faber

Feast of Saint Margaret of Castello

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Feast of Saint Liduina (Lidwina)

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Feast of Saint César de Bus

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Feast of Saint Bernadette

Feast of Saint Stanislaus

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (Canada only)

ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Feast of St Vincent Pallotti (founder of The Pallatines)

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows)

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Anniversary of the Founding of Rome...many venues are free today

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

Pope Leo Apostolic Journey to Africa

ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross

Feast Day of Saint Mark

Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel

Miracle of the "Grasshopper Chapel"

FRANCE Feast Day of Saint Louis de Montfort

ITALY, U.S. & CANADA Feast Day of St. Gianna Molla

Death Anniversary of Servant of God Gertrude Barber

Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena

ITALY (Reggio Emilia) Feast of Our Lady of Ghiara

ITALY (Siena) & Worldwide: Saint Catherine of Siena

Feast of Pope Saint Pius V

Feast of Our Lady of Africa

Feast of Pope Saint Pius V

Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker

ITALY (Cocullo) Festival of Snakes

ITALY, Vatican City State (Rome) Procession of the World Youth Day Cross

Knoxville, Tennessee: Catholic Champion Crusade