The Holy See, the central government of the Catholic Church, is the composite of the authority, jurisdiction, and sovereignty vested in the Pope and his advisors to direct the worldwide Roman Catholic Church with its one billion members. The Holy See has a legal personality under international law giving it recognition as a sovereign state which allows it to enter into treaties and to send and receive diplomatic representatives. The Vatican City State -- a small enclave surrounded by the city of Rome, provides territorial sovereignty that guarantees its ability to operate in freedom as the juridical equivalent of other states.

The Pope is the Head of State and enjoys absolute executive, judicial, and legislative authority, which he delegates to the Roman Curia. He is elected for life by an electoral College of Cardinals. Pope Benedict XVI was inaugurated April 24 2005. Pope Benedict follows the tenure of Pope John Paul II who transformed the Holy See's role in international affairs, and emerged as one of the most influential leaders of his time. Under John Paul IIs pontificate, the Holy See became a leading voice for justice, peace, and human rights worldwide, respected even in countries without large Catholic populations.

The Head of Government is the Pope's Secretary of State, who operates as the equivalent of a Prime Minister. He governs the Holy See with the support of the Roman Curia – the Vatican City-based government composed of twenty Cabinet-level departments (congregations and councils) each typically headed by a Cardinal and staffed by professional bureaucrats and diplomats. Curial representatives reflect the multinational character of the Catholic Church. The Secretariat of State, in coordination with the Congregations and Councils, is responsible for the Holy See's internal affairs and external relations.

The Holy See has one of the largest and the oldest diplomatic representations in the world, with diplomatic relations with 174 countries. Seventy-one countries have resident Embassies to the Holy See. The Holy See participates actively in international organizations, and has membership or observer status in the United Nations, European Union, OSCE, OAS, UNHCR, WHO, and World Trade Organization. The Pope's views and the Holy See's worldwide diplomacy can and do affect an array of U.S. international goals.

Vatican City State has a permanent population of around nine-hundred – mostly prelates and guards. Another 3000 staff live outside the State. The Holy See has its own internet, television and radio stations, which broadcast worldwide in many languages, pension and health scheme for staff, a newspaper, a bank, border controls, civil and criminal law codes, currency, and world renowned cultural institutions like the Vatican Library and Museums. The Holy See's economy is supported by levies on Catholic dioceses around the world, voluntary contributions, the sale of postage stamps, coins, and publications, and fees for admission to museums. The Holy See's assets include property and financial investments, as well as its priceless art collections. It has an annual operating budget of around $200 million.

Formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Holy See were established in 1984, after more than two centuries of less formal relations. The Embassy focuses its engagement exclusively on international issues, scrupulously avoiding involvement in internal religious matters. Bilateral relations with the Holy See are excellent, with close collaboration on key policy areas such as trafficking in human persons, global development and aid, religious freedom, AIDS treatment, human rights, and the war on terrorism. The intense media focus on both the crisis in Iraq and the Holy See's views of that crisis have generated enormous public diplomacy demands on Post despite our limited Public Diplomacy staff. The Embassy is a single agency post with an Ambassador, four FSO's, and 14 American and LES specialists and support personnel.

The Host Country

Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 10/13/2005 5:01 AM

The state of Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world. A tiny enclave within the city of Rome, it occupies 109 acres and is almost completely surrounded by medieval walls. As a result of the Lateran Pacts of 1929, the Italian Government granted St. Peter’s Basilica and Square and the surrounding area within the Vatican walls as the Holy See’s sovereign and independent territorial base. Besides St. Peter’s, Vatican City also includes the Apostolic Palace, administrative and residential buildings, museums, archives, and libraries, a cemetery, and gardens covering almost one-third of the entire area. Thirteen other buildings in Rome, as well as the Pope’s summer residence at nearby Castel Gandolfo, enjoy extraterritoriality under the terms of the Lateran Pacts.

Rome’s climate is mild and the area is noted for its frequent sunny days. Summers are hot (and sometimes humid) and winters cold (overcoats necessary). There has not been a significant snowfall in Rome since 1985.

Population Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:19 AM

Vatican City is the headquarters of the Pope, and of the cardinals, bishops, priests, and religious who help run the affairs of the Holy See. While there are over 800 residents of Vatican City, only about half of those—resident cardinals, Swiss guards, and representatives abroad—hold Vatican citizenship. Every day, over 4,000 curial, Vatican City administration, domestic, and commercial personnel come to work in the Vatican.

Most residents and employees are Italian, and Italian is the common language. French is often used for diplomatic functions, however, and many Holy See documents are still written in Latin.

The Swiss Guards were established in 1506 as a voluntary military force to protect the Pope from the invading French Army. Dressed in traditional yellow, red, and blue costumes, they now serve a mainly ceremonial function.

Public Institutions Last Updated: 10/13/2005 5:01 AM

The Apostle Peter, considered the first bishop of Rome, was martyred and buried in the Vatican area, and later a large Christian necropolis grew around his tomb. On this site, in the fourth century, Emperor Constantine built a great basilica, replaced during the 16th and 17th centuries by St. Peter’s—the Renaissance-Baroque masterpiece we admire today. Although medieval popes had their main residence in the Lateran, they expanded and fortified their Vatican palaces for periodic stays (for security reasons or for ceremonial visits to St. Peter’s). Later in the 14th century, upon returning from the “Avignon captivity” in France, the popes made the Vatican their administrative and residential center. In 1861, the newly unified Italy took over most of the papal territories, and in 1870 Rome itself was incorporated into the new Kingdom of Italy. From that time the popes considered themselves prisoners in the Vatican, until the Lateran Treaty of 1929 recognized the Holy See as an independent and sovereign state, with Vatican City as its territorial base.

Vatican City is the physical base of the Holy See, the central government of the Roman Catholic Church. The word “See,” in Italian “sede,” literally means a seat, as a bishop’s seat or diocese, in this case that of Peter and his successors, the popes. The Pope exercises supreme spiritual authority over the worldwide Roman Catholic Church and supreme legislative, executive, and judicial authority over the Curia Romana and the State of Vatican City. The Pope governs through the Curia Romana, the Holy See bureaucracy that was reorganized in the June 1988 reform.

The Secretariat of State is divided into two sections, both under the Cardinal Secretary of State, the Vatican equivalent of Prime Minister. The First Section, headed by “Sostituto,” or Deputy Secretary of State, oversees the curia and manages internal affairs. The Second Section, headed by the Foreign Minister, directs foreign policy and relations with other states. There are ten Holy See congregations, of which the most important are the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (church doctrine), the Congregation for the Bishops (worldwide appointment of bishops), and the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (missionary activities). Twelve pontifical councils advise the Pope on religious and social issues. The Council of Justice and Peace is active internationally on issues of human rights and global development.

The curia also includes three tribunals (courts), several offices concerned with running the papal household, and a commission for the administration of Vatican City. The Prefecture for Economic Affairs, similar to a treasury department, is also responsible for the administration of the patrimony of the Holy See (funds received under terms of the Lateran Pact). An economic commission of 15 cardinals oversees all finances, including the Vatican Bank (the Institute of Religious Works).

Besides the Swiss Guards, the State of Vatican City also maintains a modern security/ police corps known as the vigilanza. The state has its own post office, power plant, railway station, and publishing house. It also issues its own coins, stamps, license plates, and passports. Radio Vatican is the official radio station and L’Osservatore Romano is the semiofficial daily newspaper.

The Vatican flag represents the crossed keys of St. Peter and papal tiara on yellow and white stripes and its national anthem is a papal march by 19th century French composer Charles Gounod.

Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:24 AM

The Vatican Museum is one of the world’s greatest repositories of art. Originally the apostolic palaces of various popes, the museum’s 4 1/2 miles of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, maps, precious objects, Egyptian and Etruscan art, and famous frescoes are open to the public. Treasures from every cultural period can be viewed in rooms that are treasures themselves, decorated with frescoes by masters such as Raphael and Michelangelo.

St. Peter’s Basilica, another Michelangelo masterpiece, is open to the public and contains other famous art works including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s bronze baldacchino (canopy). Rome was a world center of classical, renaissance, and baroque culture, and the artistic offerings of the city and surrounding region are virtually unlimited.

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences—under the direct patronage of the Pope—is one of many Vatican institutions dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. Over eighty pontifical academics are selected by the Pope to represent different geographic areas and branches of science. The academy is a respected forum for scientific conferences and sponsors research in various scientific fields. The Pontifical Academy for Social Sciences, the Pontifical Academy for Life, and the Pontifical Theological Academy also fall under the patronage of the Pope, as do institutions devoted to music, philosophy, finance, and architecture.

The prestigious Jesuit Gregorian University founded in 1551, the Angelicum or University of St. Thomas Aquinas, and the Urbaniana and Lateran Universities are included among the 17 pontifical universities in Rome. Although these institutions primarily train religious and clergy for service in the church, they are also open to laypersons.

Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:25 AM

Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative heart of the Roman Catholic Church, and that, rather than trade or industry, is its “raison d’etre.” The Vatican charges admission to its museums and sells guidebooks and souvenirs. A small factory in the gardens teaches the art of mosaics, and maintains those in the Basilica. The Vatican also prints and distributes Holy See documents, pamphlets, and books—including some impressive liturgical and art folios.

Transportation Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:26 AM

See the Embassy Rome Post Report for information regarding transportation in Rome and Italy, as well as for information on automobile shipping, registration, licensing, insurance, and sales.

Rome-based public transportation and taxis operate to and from, as well as within, Vatican City. A railway station inside Vatican City connects with the Italian State Railway but is used mainly to receive and send freight. Vatican City has its own license plates (SVC = State of Vatican City).

Automobiles Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:27 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on owning automobiles in Rome.

Access by vehicle to Vatican City State is limited Vatican ID holders and those with valid U.S. Embassy to the Holy See ID.

Local Transportation Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:28 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on local transportation in and around Rome. Transportation to Vatican City State is provided by the Roman Train, Metro, and Bus systems as well as by Taxi.

Non-employee access by vehicle to Vatican City is limited, although those with diplomatic credentials are permitted to enter Vatican City by car or taxi.

Regional Transportation Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:28 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on regional transportation around Italy.

Communications Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:29 AM

See the Embassy Rome Post Report for additional information on telephones, cables, mail, pouch, periodicals, radio, and television.

Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:29 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information about the Italian telecommunications system.

There are a limited number of public pay telephones available in St. Peter's Square and in the Vatican Museums.

Wireless Service Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:29 AM Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information about wireless services in Italy.

Italian cell phones function normally within Vatican City State.

Internet Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:29 AM

There is no public internet access within Vatican City State. The Vatican has its own internet system.

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on the internet system in Italy.

Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:30 AM

Vatican City issues its own stamps and has its own post office - considered by many to be more efficient than the Italian postal service for mailing outside Rome.

Radio and TV Last Updated: 1/15/2004 5:24 AM

Vatican Radio broadcasts on a variety of channels for a total of 115 hours a week in 40 languages.

Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:31 AM

The Vatican’s semiofficial newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, is published daily in Italian and weekly in English as well as six other languages. It carries information on the Pope’s schedule, Vatican ceremonies, and international events. Papal speeches, shorter documents, and travel itineraries are published both in the newspaper as well as in bulletins obtained from the Vatican press office, or the Sala Stampa. The best source of current information on the Holy See is the Annuario Pontificio, a 2,100-page yearbook with lists of all Vatican institutions, curial and Vatican City officials, Vatican representatives abroad, religious orders and communities, and descriptions of every diocese and archdiocese in the Roman Catholic world. Vatican Radio broadcasts on a variety of channels for a total of 115 hours a week in 40 languages.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities Last Updated: 10/13/2005 5:00 AM

Vatican City State does not have medical facilities available to foreigners or non-Vatican employees, except in the case of an emergency.

Embassy Rome has a Health Unit that provides services for direct hire American employees, and their eligible dependents. Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for further information on Rome's medical facilities.

Community Health Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:32 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on community health in Italy.

Preventive Measures Last Updated: 10/13/2005 5:00 AM

No special immunizations are needed for Vatican City State, other than those generally recommended by MED. Smog levels are high, and allergies common in the spring and summer.

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for more information on preventative measures in Italy

Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 10/13/2005 4:59 AM

A few Americans have found jobs with Vatican Radio. Positions for eligible family members are also frequently available at Embassy Rome. A Local Employment Advisor with the Strategic Networking Assistance Program (SNAP) is available at Embassy Rome, to help the spouses and eligible family members of Foreign Service employees continue and enhance their careers overseas. The LEA assists in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and identifying viable job options.

American Embassy - Vatican City

Post City Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:33 AM

Two American embassies are located in Rome—the U.S. Embassy to the Republic of Italy (Embassy Rome) and the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See (Embassy Vatican). The U.S. has diplomatic relations with the Holy See rather than with the State of Vatican City— see Public Institutions. Embassy Vatican receives some administrative support from Embassy Rome; therefore this report should be read in conjunction with the Italy Post Report.

See the Italy Post Report for a physical description of Rome and Italy.

Security Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:34 AM

The Pontifical Swiss Guard are posted at the entrances to Vatican City to provide security for the borders and protect the Pope and Cardinals.

The internal police force is the Gendarmerie of the State of Vatican City.

The exterior security of Vatican City State is the responsibility of Italy under the Inspectorate of Public Security to the Vatican.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:36 AM

The U.S. diplomatic mission to the Holy See is headed by an Ambassador. The Mission also includes a Deputy Chief of Mission, political officer, management officer, as well as a protocol assistant, political specialist, a public affairs assistant, and other support personnel.

Embassy Vatican is located on the Via delle Terme Deciane 26, overlooking the ruins of the Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill. Housed in Villa Domiziana, the chancery is the former residence of a Russian Ambassador. Embassy office hours are 8:30–5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no Marine Guard Detachment at Embassy Vatican, however there is both a local Metronotte guard and an Italian Carabinieri presence outside the Embassy 24 hours daily.

Often described as a world listening post, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See engages the Holy See on developments in almost every region of the world —particularly the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, —and maintains an active policy dialogue on a range of global issues including HIV/AIDS, trafficking in persons, biotechnology, human rights and religious freedom. The insights and influence of the Vatican, which has the capacity to act in shape opinion worldwide, make it a valuable diplomatic partner in promoting human dignity —one of the primary policy goals of U.S. foreign policy. Embassy Vatican facilitates frequent meetings between senior American executive branch and congressional delegations and Holy See officials.

The Embassy does not usually arrange for tickets for papal audiences. Interested American citizens should contact the North American College in Rome (a seminary for training American priests). Address: Casa Santa Maria dell’Umilta 30, Rome 00187. Telephone: (06) 690–0189.

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:37 AM

Embassy Vatican is part of the Rome Tri-Mission housing pool. If the Inter Agency Housing Board has not assigned permanent housing prior to arrival, employees are provided with a temporary housing allowance. The General Services Office (GSO) housing office at Embassy Rome then assists in the move into permanent accommodations. During this period, personnel may stay in hotels, pensions, houses (private cooking facilities), or vacant government owned apartments.

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:38 AM

The Ambassador's residence is leased by the U.S. government. Other staff members are assigned housing (generally unfurnished) by the Inter Agency Housing board.

Permanent housing may be in government owned or leased, unfurnished apartments. A few furnished apartments are in the "Grazioli" American Embassy Complex (see Italy Post Report for description). Detached houses with gardens (villas) are found almost exclusively on the outskirts of Rome, entailing a commute.

For additional information on housing and furnishings, see the Italy Post Report and the housing handbook published periodically by Embassy Rome.

Furnishings Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:38 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for more information.

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:38 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for more information.

Food Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:39 AM

Embassy Vatican employees live and shop in Rome. See the Italy Post Report for information on grocery shopping on the local market and in Embassy Rome and military commissaries. Embassy officers on the diplomatic list may use the Vatican City commissary.

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for more information on food in Italy.

Clothing Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:40 AM

See the Italy Post Report for appropriate clothing for Rome's climate.

Wear conservative dress for Vatican ceremonies: dark suits for men, long sleeved, high-neck dresses or suits for women. It is customary - although not obligatory - for women to wear mantillas to private papal audiences. For diplomats attending certain papal ceremonies dress is white tie and tails and a black (not white) vest for men, and long sleeved, high neck, floor-length black dress with mantilla for women. Dress for Embassy and Vatican related events, and even at Embassy Vatican itself, is more conservative and formal than at many other posts.

Men Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:40 AM

There are many Vatican events for members of the Diplomatic Corps that require formal dress. Men are required to wear white tie and tails.

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on general clothing in Italy.

Women Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:41 AM

There are many Vatican events for members of the Diplomatic Corps that require formal dress. Women are required to wear long black dresses and a lace mantilla (black veil).

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on general clothing in Italy.

Children Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:41 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on general children's clothing in Italy.

Office Attire Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:41 AM

Business suit and tie for men.

Business dress for women.

Supplies and Services Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:42 AM

See Italy Post Report for information on supplies and services, religious activities, and education.

Supplies Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:44 AM

Embassy Rome's commissary (to which Embassy Vatican employees have access) stocks a small supply of toiletries and household supplies. A wider choice is available at the PXs. Both American and Italian brands are available locally, the former at a considerable mark up. Bring your favorite brands of cosmetics, drugs and toiletries, or arrange to order via APO. A variety of household and hobby equipment and tools is sold locally. Do not plan to bring heavy power tools, as space to set them up is limited, and the electrical system cannot handle them.

Basic Services Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:44 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on basic services while living in Italy.

Domestic Help Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:45 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on domestic help in Italy.

Religious Activities Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:43 AM

Vatican City State is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Services for other religious denominations may be found outside Vatican City, throughout Rome.

Education

Dependent Education Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:45 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on dependent education.

At Post Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:45 AM Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on dependent education.

Away From Post Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:45 AM Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on dependent education.

Special Needs Education Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:45 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on dependent education.

Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:46 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on higher education opportunities.

Recreation and Social Life Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:47 AM

Embassy Vatican is small in comparison to most embassies and enjoys a family-like atmosphere. Birthdays, promotions, and farewells are celebrated. There are also many school and church organizations for Americans working and living in Rome. Embassy officers work closely with the Vatican Secretariat of State and other departments of the curia, as well as the 73 embassies accredited to the Holy See and located in Rome. These contacts are expanded at Embassy and Vatican functions and at events hosted by other Holy See embassies. Embassy Vatican staff members also find it easy to meet host country and other embassy nationals at these functions.

See Italy Post Report for further information on recreation and social life.

Sports Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:47 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on sports in Italy.

Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:48 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on touring and outdoor activities in Italy.

Entertainment Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:48 AM

Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on entertainment in Rome and Italy.

Social Activities

Among Americans Last Updated: 1/15/2004 9:16 AM Please see Embassy Rome's Post Report for information on Social Activities Among Americans in Rome and Italy.

International Contacts Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:49 AM Please see the Embassy Rome Post Report for information on international contacts in Italy.

Official Functions

Nature of Functions Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:50 AM

Embassy Vatican officers have heavy representational obligations and many of these relate to official Vatican functions. Officers are often required to attend ceremonies at St. Peter's on special occasions and holidays. They frequently escort visiting VIP's or congressional delegations to papal audiences or Vatican ceremonies. Often these take place on weekends, and many call for formal attire. The Easter period is particularly busy, since diplomats attend lengthy services throughout Holy Week. Embassy Vatican staff may, upon request, attend many of these ceremonies, as well as Vatican-sponsored concerts and art exhibits.

The Embassy and the Ambassador host frequent receptions for Vatican officials, visiting U.S. officials and church dignitaries, and congressional and other delegations. Embassy officers and staff attend these functions in a working capacity.

Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:50 AM

Proper protocol and reserved conduct should be observed in dealing with Vatican and church officials. Business cards are essential. These can be printed locally at Embassy Rome's print shop.

Related Internet Sites Last Updated: 11/12/2004 6:03 AM

The official Vatican website is: www.vatican.va

Inside the Vatican is an independent magazine published monthly. Information can be found at: www.insidethevatican.com

Other web resources include:

www.30giorni.it

www.zenit.org

Notes For Travelers

Getting to the Post Last Updated: 11/12/2004 5:51 AM

See the Italy Post Report for information regarding getting to post; customs, duties, and passage; firearms and ammunition; currency, banking, and weights and measures; taxes, exchange, and sale of property; and local holidays.

Recommended Reading Last Updated: 11/12/2004 6:00 AM

These titles are provided as a general indication of the material published on this post. The Department of State does not endorse unofficial publications.

Periodicals An English version of the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano is printed weekly.

Inside the Vatican is an independent magazine published monthly. Information can be found at www.insidethevatican.com.

Other web sources include:

www.vatican.va

www.30giorni.it

www.zenit.org

Books

Allen, John. All the Pope’s Men: The Inside Story of How the Vatican Really Thinks. Doubleday: 2004.

Allen, John. Conclave. Image: 2002.

Noonan, James-Charles Jr. The Church Visible. Viking Penguin: New York, 1996.

Reese, Thomas J. Inside the Vatican. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1996.

Local Holidays Last Updated: 11/12/2004 6:02 AM

The Vatican is closed on the following days:

January 1, Feast of Mary, Mother of God

January 6, Epiphany

February 11, Anniversay of the Lateran Pacts

March 19, Feast of St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church

Good Friday (April 9, 2004)

Easter Monday (April 12, 2004)

May 1, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker

Ascension Thursday (May 20, 2004)

June 10, Feast of Corpus Christi

June 29, Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul's

August 14/15, Feast of the Assumption

November 1, All Saint's Day

December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 25, Christmas Day

December 26, St. Stephen's Day