March 22

Every year on March 22, the people of Bihar celebrate Bihar Day, marking the separation of Bihar from the Bengal Presidency in 1912. The day is also known locally as Bihar Diwas. Festivities include cultural programs showcasing traditional Bihari dance, music, art, and literature. Government buildings, schools, and institutions hoist the state flag and host seminars on Bihar's historical heritage. Traditional foods like litti-chokha are shared among communities in lively gatherings. Visitors can immerse themselves in Bihar's rich cultural tapestry and reflect on the state's journey toward social and economic progress.

On March 22, Christians around the world commemorate a number of saints in their liturgical calendars. Basil of Ancyra, a 4th-century bishop and defender of orthodoxy, is remembered for his theological contributions. Epaphroditus, a companion of Paul the Apostle, is honored for his faithful service to the church. The day also marks the feast of Blessed Clemens August Graf von Galen, who stood against totalitarianism during World War II. Additionally, Darerca of Ireland, Jonathan Edwards (in Lutheran tradition), Lea of Rome, Nicholas Owen, and Paul of Narbonne are celebrated. Eastern Orthodox churches observe the March 22 liturgics, while Western denominations hold special services and readings. The various observances reflect the richness and diversity of Christian heritage and invite the faithful to reflect on the lives of these holy figures.

Easter Sunday, the most significant feast in the Christian calendar, can fall as early as March 22. This earliest occurrence last took place in 1818 and will not happen again until the year 2285. The date of Easter is determined by a complex calculation known as the Gregorian computus, based on the vernal equinox and the phases of the moon. The variation in dates, ranging from March 22 to April 25, highlights the interplay between astronomical events and ecclesiastical tradition. During this period, Christian communities prepare with liturgical services, processions, and festive celebrations that honor the resurrection of Jesus. While the earliest Easter is a rare calendrical curiosity, it is eagerly anticipated by the global Christian community and underscores the dynamic relationship between faith and timekeeping.

Emancipation Day, or Día de la Abolición de la Esclavitud, commemorates the official end of slavery in Puerto Rico on March 22, 1873. Enacted under Spanish colonial rule, this decree freed thousands of enslaved people and reshaped the island’s social fabric. Today, Puerto Ricans honor this day with parades, historical reenactments, and cultural events that highlight the ongoing fight for freedom and human rights. Schools and institutions host lectures and art exhibitions that explore the legacy of slavery and its impact on contemporary society. The observance serves as a reminder of resilience and the enduring importance of equality and justice. Emancipation Day encourages reflection on the past and commitment to a future where every individual's dignity is upheld.

Established by the United Nations in 1993, World Water Day focuses attention on the critical role of freshwater and sustainable management of water resources. Each year features a different theme that addresses issues such as water scarcity, sanitation, and pollution. Events around the world include educational campaigns, community clean-ups, conferences, and art installations that drive public awareness and policy change. Civil society organizations, governments, and businesses collaborate to promote practices that ensure clean and accessible water for all. The observance underscores water’s essential role in health, ecosystems, and economic development. World Water Day invites individuals and communities to take action toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for everyone.

Basil of Ancyra (c. 322–362) served as bishop of Ancyra (modern-day Ankara) and is remembered for his staunch defense of the Nicene faith against Arian heresy. Arrested and tortured for his beliefs, he remained steadfast, inspiring early Christians with his courage and theological clarity. On his feast day, March 22, churches hold special services that reflect on his writings and the formative struggles of the early Church. Clergy and laity read passages from his extant works, which emphasize the divinity of Christ and the importance of doctrinal unity. The observance honors a martyr who played a pivotal role in shaping foundational Christian doctrine. Basil’s legacy endures in both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions.

Blessed Clemens August Graf von Galen (1878–1946) was the Bishop of Münster who boldly spoke out against Nazi policies, particularly the regime’s euthanasia program and violations of human rights. Nicknamed the ‘Lion of Münster’ for his fearless sermons, he became a symbol of moral resistance during World War II. Beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, his feast day on March 22 honors his unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity. Churches hold memorial services, reflections, and exhibitions that explore his life and writings. His example continues to inspire Catholics and individuals of conscience worldwide in the defense of ethical principles. The observance highlights the power of faith to challenge oppression and uphold the sanctity of life.

Darerca of Ireland, traditionally considered a sister of Saint Patrick, is honored on March 22 for her devotion to spreading Christianity in early Ireland. According to tradition, she was the mother of several bishops and played a vital role in establishing monastic communities. Her life reflects the missionary zeal that characterized the Irish Church’s growth during the 5th century. On her feast day, prayers and liturgies commemorate her contributions to faith and community-building. The observance offers a window into Ireland’s early Christian heritage and the pioneering spirit of its saints. Darerca’s example continues to inspire devotion and service across generations.

Epaphroditus, regarded as a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, is celebrated on March 22 for his faithful service and ministry. Mentioned in Philippians 2:25–30, he carried Paul’s letters, cared for the needs of the Philippian church, and risked his own safety for the early Christian community. On his feast day, liturgical readings recount his dedication, hospitality, and sacrifice. Churches hold services that reflect on his role in supporting apostolic mission and fostering unity among believers. Epaphroditus’s example of humble service resonates with Christians seeking to live out the call to love and serve others. The observance underscores the often-unsung contributions of early missionaries to the growth of the Church.

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) is commemorated on March 22 in the Lutheran liturgical calendar for his significant contributions to Protestant theology and revivalism. As a pastor, missionary, and educator, he played an influential role in the First Great Awakening, preaching powerful sermons such as ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.’ His writings on assurance of salvation, divine sovereignty, and the nature of true faith continue to shape Christian thought across denominations. Lutheran congregations observe his feast day with readings from his works, hymns, and discussions on the enduring impact of revivalist spirituality. The observance invites worshippers to explore Edwards’s vision of heartfelt piety and intellectual rigor. His legacy endures in the ongoing dialogue between faith, reason, and spiritual awakening.

Saint Lea of Rome was a wealthy widow in 4th-century Rome who renounced her fortune to live as a hermit on the Caelian Hill. She became a devoted disciple of Saint Jerome and dedicated herself to prayer, charity, and scholarly pursuits. Lea established a community of consecrated virgins and was renowned for her piety and hospitality to pilgrims. Her feast day celebrates her unwavering faith and the transformative power of renouncing material wealth for spiritual riches. Today, believers remember her legacy of devotion and the enduring influence of her writings and correspondence with early Church fathers.

Nicholas Owen was a skilled carpenter and Jesuit brother in Elizabethan England who built ingenious ‘priest holes’ to protect clandestine priests. He served the underground Catholic mission for decades, evading capture despite intense persecution. In 1606, Owen was betrayed, tortured, and died in the Tower of London rather than reveal his fellow priests’ locations. Canonized in 1970 among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, he is honored for his resourcefulness and courage. His legacy inspires devotion to resilience in faith and selfless service under oppression.