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Glite Dictionary
Solemnity of Mary

Solemnity of Mary

9.6
A Catholic holy day on January 1 that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus
  • proper noun
  • Formal
translation icon : Solemnidad de María
  • The Solemnity of Mary is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Examples

  • The Solemnity of Mary is celebrated on January 1.

  • Schools and businesses may close in some countries on the Solemnity of Mary.

  • Many Catholics attend Mass on the Solemnity of Mary to honor the Virgin Mother.

  • Many Catholics attend Mass on the Solemnity of Mary.

  • Many Catholics attend Mass on the Solemnity of Mary to honor the Virgin Mother.

  • The Solemnity of Mary is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

  • The Solemnity of Mary is celebrated on January 1.

Surface Forms

Solemnity of Mary main

Morphology

solemnity + of + Mary

The phrase is compositionally clear: 'solemnity' (a serious, formal observance) + 'of Mary' indicates a solemn event dedicated to Mary, so a learner who knows the words will infer it refers to a religious/ceremonial observance honoring Mary. However, the full technical sense — that this is a specific Roman Catholic liturgical feast, a holy day of obligation celebrated on January 1 — requires background religious knowledge and is not predictable from the words alone.

Etymology

Solemnity of Mary comes from the church calling a very important feast a solemnity and setting it for Mary, the mother of Jesus, on January 1. So today it is a 'feast day' when Catholics in some places 'must go to Mass' to honor her.