Octave

What it is

An octave is the eight-day observance of a major feast, counting the feast day itself and the seven days that follow. The Church prolongs the mystery so it is not reduced to a single morning MassGlossaryThe Church's central act of worship—the Sacrifice of Calvary made present, and the sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood.. In the present Roman calendar, the primary octaves are those of ChristmasGlossaryThe feast of the Nativity and its season—God born in the flesh, prolonged through the octave and Christmastide. and EasterGlossaryThe feast of the Resurrection and its fifty-day season—Christ risen, through the octave to Pentecost.; historically, other feasts also had octaves.

What it is not

An octave is not "eight feast days of equal rank" in every respect—the liturgy distinguishes the feast, the days within the octave, and the octave day. It is not the same as a novenaGlossaryA nine-day pattern of prayer for a particular intention, modeled on the apostles' prayer between Ascension and Pentecost. (nine days of devotional prayer). It is not optional mood music; it structures the Church's public worship.

How a Catholic encounters it

You encounter octaves when Christmas does not end on December 26, and when Easter Week keeps proclaiming the Resurrection day after day. Pray the propersGlossaryThe variable prayers and chants of the Mass or Office assigned to a given day—introit, collect, readings, and the like.. Keep the feast longer than the culture keeps the leftovers. Let the Church teach you that the greatest mysteries deserve more than twenty-four hours.