Guidelines 

necessarily the day on which Our Savior was born. Nor does the Catholic Church have any teachings about 

other dates or times for events in the life of Jesus, except what is stated in Sacred Scripture. For example, the 

Gospels reveal that Jesus died on a Friday and rose from the dead on a Sunday. We also know from Sacred 

Scripture that Jesus died on  the day of Preparation of the Passover  (Jn 19:14). Since these teachings are 

found in the Word of God, these are included in the teaching of the Catholic Church. But, beyond what is 

taught by the Bible, there is no official teaching as to the year, or even the month and day in the Christian 

calendar, when various events occurred. 

    In general, Christian doctrine does not teach or require belief in particular dates, even for important events 

in the life of Christ. Some members of the faithful have their own opinions as to which are the correct dates, 

but these are opinion, not doctrine. Likewise, the statements made in this book are opinions, not required 

beliefs. The only statements about dates and times which are required beliefs are the statements of Sacred 

Scripture (and any future declarations which might be made by the teaching authority of the Catholic Church). 

Certitude 

    I am absolutely certain that Jesus Christ was born our Savior and Lord. I am less certain as to when Christ 

was born. I am absolutely certain that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and rose from the dead for our 

salvation. I am less certain as to when Christ died and rose  from the dead. The certitude of faith always 

exceeds the certitude of human knowledge. However, as far as mere human knowledge is concerned, I am 

quite certain that I have found the correct dates for the Birth of Christ, for His  Crucifixion and Resurrection, 

and for other important events in the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. 

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