Written by  Fr. Dennis O'Neill

Pope Francis added Memorials of 5 Saints to the Roman Liturgical Calendar. The congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments released two decrees approved by Pope Francis on February 2nd.  One decree inscribed the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus into the Roman Calendar on 29 July. This means that St. Martha is now joined by her sister and brother, and the entire Holy Family of Bethany now have a combined feast. 

​The other decree has inscribed three Optional Memorials in the Roman Calendar for three Doctors of the Church: ​

St. Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church on 27 February ​​

St. John of Avila, Priest and Doctor of the Church on 10 May 

St. Hildegard of Bingen, Virgin and Doctor of the Church on 17 September

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