Christianfeast day:
Barba'shmin, Devasahayam Pillai(Catholic Church), Divina Pastora (Barquisimeto), Eivind Berggrav(Lutheran), Felix of Nola, Macrina the Elder, Odoric of Pordenone, January 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A collection of Christian feast days observed on January 14th in various denominations.
On January 14th, several Christian traditions honor saints and events, including Barba'shmin, Devasahayam Pillai, and Felix of Nola among others. Catholics commemorate Devasahayam Pillai and the Divina Pastora devotion in Barquisimeto. Lutherans observe the remembrance of Eivind Berggrav, while the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates a range of liturgics. These feast days reflect the diversity of Christian liturgical calendars. Pilgrims and churchgoers often attend special masses, processions, and devotional prayers. The observances foster a connection to historical figures and spiritual heritage across different communities.
feast day
Barba'shmin
Devasahayam Pillai
Catholic Church
Divina Pastora (Barquisimeto)
Eivind Berggrav
Lutheran
Felix of Nola
Macrina the Elder
Odoric of Pordenone
January 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Feast of the Ass(Medieval Christianity)
A quirky medieval Christian festival celebrating the donkey's role in the Nativity story.
The Feast of the Ass was a medieval Christian celebration held on January 14th to honor the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. Clergy and laity enacted playful processions, often with a donkey led into the church nave. Liturgical readings were combined with festive music and theatrical performances. The festival blended reverence with humor, reflecting medieval community life. Though it declined after the Reformation, modern scholars study it for insight into popular piety and medieval culture. The Feast reveals how joy and storytelling enriched religious practice in the Middle Ages.
Feast of the Ass
Medieval Christianity
Siderealwinter solsticecelebrations in South and Southeast Asian cultures; marking the transition of the Sun to Capricorn, and the first day of the six monthsUttarayanaperiod.(seeApril 14):
Magh Bihu(Assam), Maghe Sankranti(Nepal), Maghi(Punjab,Haryana,Himachal Pradesh), Makar Sankranti(India), The first day ofPongal(Tamil Nadu), Uttarayan(Uttarakhand,GujaratandRajasthan)
Festivals in South and Southeast Asia marking the sun's entry into Capricorn and the harvest season.
On January 14th, communities across India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia celebrate the sun’s transition to Capricorn with various harvest festivals. In Assam, Magh Bihu features community feasts and traditional games. Nepal’s Maghe Sankranti includes special foods like ghee and sesame seeds. Punjab and neighboring states observe Maghi with bonfires and devotional singing. Makar Sankranti in India is known for kite flying and colorful gatherings. Tamil Nadu’s Pongal honors the sun god with cooked rice offerings and cattle decorations. These interconnected festivals highlight agricultural cycles, gratitude, and social unity through shared rituals and celebrations.
Sidereal
winter solstice
Uttarayana
April 14
Magh Bihu
Assam
Maghe Sankranti
Nepal
Maghi
Punjab
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Makar Sankranti
India
Pongal
Tamil Nadu
Uttarayan
Uttarakhand
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Barba'shmin
Barba'shmin
Devasahayam Pillai(Catholic Church)
Feast day of Devasahayam Pillai, the first Indian lay martyr of the Catholic Church.
Devasahayam Pillai (1712–1752), born Nilaperumal Pillai in Travancore, India, converted to Catholicism and became a devoted layman. Facing persecution for his faith, he endured false accusations and imprisonment before being martyred on January 14, 1752. Known for his unwavering commitment to justice and piety, his canonization by Pope Francis in 2022 highlighted his role as a symbol of religious freedom and intercultural harmony. Celebrated especially in India, this day honors his sacrifice, remarkable courage, and spiritual legacy.
Devasahayam Pillai
Catholic Church
Divina Pastora (Barquisimeto)
Annual procession of Our Lady Divina Pastora in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
The Divina Pastora procession is one of the largest Marian devotions in the world. Each January 14, the statue of the Divine Shepherdess travels through the streets of Barquisimeto, drawing over a million pilgrims. The tradition dates back to 1856 when the image was credited with protecting the city from an epidemic. Participants walk barefoot, singing hymns and offering flowers. The event reflects deep Catholic devotion and local cultural heritage in Venezuela, symbolizing hope and communal solidarity.
Divina Pastora (Barquisimeto)
Eivind Berggrav(Lutheran)
Commemoration of Bishop Eivind Berggrav in the Lutheran Church.
Eivind Berggrav (1884–1959) served as Bishop of Oslo and Primate of the Church of Norway. Renowned for his leadership during World War II, he resisted Nazi interference to safeguard church autonomy. A prolific writer and advocate for social justice, Berggrav strengthened ecumenical relations across Scandinavia. His memorial on January 14 honors his courage, faith, and contributions to the Lutheran tradition. Churches observe the day with special services reflecting on his legacy of integrity and pastoral care.
Eivind Berggrav
Lutheran
Felix of Nola
Feast day of Saint Felix of Nola, an early Christian presbyter and confessor.
Felix of Nola was a third-century presbyter who ministered to persecuted Christians in Nola, Italy. Known for his devotion and miraculous escape from torture, he is said to have been concealed in a hollow tree until safety returned. Although not formally martyred, his acts of charity and steadfast faith earned him veneration in Christian martyrology. January 14 commemorates his life of service, compassion, and courage under persecution. Devotees honor him with church services and prayers invoking his intercession.
Felix of Nola
Macrina the Elder
Commemoration of Macrina the Elder, matriarch of a prominent early Christian family.
Macrina the Elder (c. 270–c. 340) was a devout Christian woman in Cappadocia and the grandmother of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa. Renowned for her piety and wisdom, she guided her family through periods of persecution and theological development. Her grandchildren’s writings recount her teachings and spiritual strength. January 14 celebrates her enduring influence on early Christian thought and the power of familial faith. Churches honor her with readings and reflections on her legacy of devotion.
Macrina the Elder
Odoric of Pordenone
Feast day of Odoric of Pordenone, medieval Franciscan missionary and explorer.
Odoric of Pordenone (c. 1286–1331) was a Franciscan friar renowned for his extensive missionary journeys across Asia. Traveling on foot and by boat, he visited India, China, and Southeast Asia, documenting cultures and landmarks like the Great Wall. His detailed travelogue became a key source of medieval geographic knowledge. January 14 marks his death and honors his adventurous spirit, missionary zeal, and contributions to cross-cultural understanding. Franciscans commemorate his life with services and storytelling of his travels.
Odoric of Pordenone
January 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Various saints and feasts commemorated in the Eastern Orthodox Church on January 14.
On January 14, Eastern Orthodox churches honor multiple saints and events, including the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles and the Prophet Micah. The day also commemorates Righteous King David who prefigured Christ. Liturgical services feature special hymns, prayers, and readings that reflect apostolic mission and prophetic witness. Faithful gather for the Divine Liturgy to celebrate these figures and draw inspiration from their steadfast devotion and service to God.
January 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Maghe Sankranti(Nepal)
Maghe Sankranti marks the Nepali festival celebrating the sun’s entry into Capricorn, observed with river rituals, family feasts, and folk festivities.
Maghe Sankranti falls on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh when the sun moves into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
It symbolizes the end of winter’s peak and the ushering in of longer, warmer days.
Families wake early to bathe in sacred rivers and perform prayers for health and prosperity.
Traditional foods include chiura (beaten rice) mixed with ghee, sesame seeds, and sweet potatoes.
Villagers gather for communal feasts, singing folk songs and dancing around bonfires.
In urban areas, fairs showcase crafts, music, and cultural performances that honour Nepal’s heritage.
Maghe Sankranti
Nepal