April 11, 2011. (Romereports.com) Traditionally, the feast of Saints held the “dies natalis,” which is the
day of one's death or their “arrival in heaven.” John Paul II died on
April 2 but that day usually falls during Holy Week. To guarantee the
day will be solemnly celebrated every year, the Vatican has decided his
day of liturgical memory will be on October 22, the anniversary day of
the Mass for the inauguration of his pontificate.
The decree comes from the Congregation for Divine Worship, which noted that until John Paul II is canonized, his memory can only be celebrated in Rome and Poland.
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