Q: I struggle to maintain in my mind the meaning of the word “fería.” It shows up all the time, as you know. I once came across a definition of it that surprised me, but I don’t recall what it was or where I found it. The Ordo has two helpful pages in the beginning that explain their symbols and abbreviations and references, but “fería” does not appear there. I understand solemnities, feasts, memorials, optional memorials, etc.
A: “Feria” is the Latin word for weekday, and you’ll see it on the calendar whenever no other saint’s day or feast applies. It is used no matter the season. There are feria days in Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.