The liturgical calendar outlines the annual cycle of seasons and feast days that are central to Christian worship. Knowing the key events of the liturgical year can help enrich our spiritual lives and connect us more deeply to the rhythms of faith. As we move through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time, we are invited to reflect on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In the spirit of fun and learning, here are 51 riddles that will test your knowledge of the liturgical calendar. See if you can guess the answers to these brain teasers about notable days, symbols and traditions throughout the church year. Sharpen your wits and deepen your understanding as you work to solve these liturgical riddles!
Riddles
Q1: With Advent wreath and candlelight, this season shines so bright. As we await the newborn King, of hope and peace its joy does ring. What is it?
A1: Advent
Q2: The name of this feast day means manifestation. We remember how God showed His glory so fine, when at Cana water turned into wine. What is it?
A2: Epiphany
Q3: With ashes placed upon our heads, this solemn season of Lent begins. As we reflect and pray anew, forgiveness and repentance we pursue. What is it?
A3: Ash Wednesday
Q4: For forty days our spirits do yearn, as Jesus’ time in desert we learn. This season of prayer, fasting and more, leads up to Easter that’s in store. What is it?
A4: Lent
Q5: With palms held high hosannas ring, to honor Jesus the coming King. This Sunday starts off holy week, events to come we solemnly seek. What is it?
A5: Palm Sunday
Q6: At the last supper with bread and wine, Jesus shared a sacred meal divine. We recall this institution when, on Maundy Thursday it occurs again. What is it?
A6: Maundy Thursday
Q7: The day that Jesus died for all, Good Friday is when we recall, his sacrificial death on the cross, the atonement for humanity’s loss. What is it?
A7: Good Friday
Q8: The vigil Mass late Saturday night, fills worshipers with paschal light. We celebrate on this holy day, Christ rising, death losing its sway. What is it?
A8: Easter Vigil
Q9: With joyful hymns and festive air, on this Sunday we declare, He is risen, alleluia! The Savior’s resurrection we praise! What is it?
A9: Easter Sunday
Q10: Marks the Spirit’s fiery descent, on Pentecost the Church was sent, to share the Gospel far and wide, with the apostles as Christ’s bride. What is it?
A10: Pentecost
Q11: Hail Mary, full of grace is sung, on feasts for the maiden pure and young, who bore the Savior Jesus Christ, faithful servant from God enticed. Who is it?
A11: Mary, the mother of Jesus
Q12: On the 8th day this child was circumcised, Jesus’ earthly life thus formalized. The holy name we were given to greet, the Savior Emmanuel we meet. What is it?
A12: Feast of the Circumcision / Holy Name of Jesus
Q13: This cousin of Christ Jesus did baptize, preparing all the way of the Lord to rise. Clad in camel hair and eating locusts wild, a herald’s voice in the desert compiled. Who is it?
A13: John the Baptist
Q14: Twelve in number these men were taught, by Jesus the Gospel truth they sought. As apostles sharing what they had learned, the good news of God’s kingdom they discerned. Who are they?
A14: The Twelve Apostles
Q15: Called the Rock, he led with God’s grace, the first Bishop of Rome in place. Seen by Catholics as first Pope acclaimed, with holy wisdom he did proclaim. Who is it?
A15: Saint Peter
Q16: Once persecutor changed to believer, he shared Christ’s Gospel as predestined receiver. On the road to Damascus converted true, from violence to peace this saint then knew. Who is it?
A16: Saint Paul
Q17: First Christian martyr making the ultimate sacrifice, with faith and courage he paid the price. Forgiving those who took his earthly life, an example of faith in the midst of strife. Who is it?
A17: Saint Stephen
Q18: Patron saint of Ireland who used the shamrock, to teach of the Trinity like three leaves of a cloverlock. With love for the Irish this saint journeyed far, establishing churches near and far. Who is it?
A18: Saint Patrick
Q19: Known as the Apostle of the Apostles guide, her faithfulness did with Jesus abide. Standing by the cross when Christ Jesus did die, she brought news of His rising, no longer to lie. Who is it?
A19: Mary Magdalene
Q20: Born in Assisi, he lived a life of poverty, renouncing wealth for a humble piety. Preaching peace and care for all of creation, this saint is known for his simply inspiration. Who is it?
A20: Saint Francis of Assisi
Q21: Scholar of vast intellect and reason, author of Summa Theologica was his key mission. Using logic and philosophy to defend all the claims, of Christian doctrine, by grace his work still remains. Who is it?
A21: Saint Thomas Aquinas
Q22: A rose, a candle, a book upon her lap, patron saint of the Americas upon our map. An apparition at Guadalupe we recall, when to Juan Diego the Virgin did call. Who is it?
A22: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Q23: Visionary seers who at Fatima stood, where the Virgin appeared within a wood. Sharing secrets and calls to earnest prayer, these children showed faith without fear. Who are they?
A23: The Children of Fatima
Q24: Doctor of the Church from Avila known, through self-reflection her wisdom was shown. Guiding others in spiritual perfection, her writings still edify with reflection. Who is it?
A24: Saint Teresa of Avila
Q25: A Carmelite nun with inspiring phrase, “For love alone do I burn and live.” Showing a contemplative yet active vocation, she’s a role model for spiritual location. Who is it?
A25: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Q26: The Good King lived a life focused on Christ, from private prayer to good works not missed. Building up the Church as a knight so noble, sanctifying France to be laudable. Who is it?
A26: Saint Louis IX of France
Q27: Born in Tagaste he became Bishop great, an intellectual Father to emulate. Emphasizing God’s grace and the soul’s assent, a notable theologian of excellent bent. Who is it?
A27: Saint Augustine of Hippo
Q28: Fisherman who left his nets on Galilee, to follow Jesus by that sacred sea. Brother of Andrew, denial would undo, but reinstated by Christ, the Gospel he spread true. Who is it?
A28: Saint Peter
Q29: Doubting disciple who wanted tangible proof, of Jesus’ resurrection to stand aloof. Until he could touch the hands and wounded side, belief was not so quickly applied. Who is it?
A29: Saint Thomas
Q30: Zealot determined to fight for liberation, he joined the twelve in his transformation. From violence to peace was the way defined, by Jesus who changed his motive and mind. Who is it?
A30: Saint Simon
Q31: He once was named Saul zealous of creed, arresting Christians by strict law indeed. But conversion opened his eyes to see, the truth of Christ, our Gospel pedigree. Who is it?
A31: Saint Paul
Q32: This apostle brought the faith to many lands, carrying out Jesus’ great commands. Traveling to India and Armenia far, he shared the Gospel near and far. Who is it?
A32: Saint Thomas
Q33: Known as “the Rich,” though he renounced his wealth, to join ‘mongst Twelve and embrace being poor in health. Preached in Syria and Turkey during days, upheld by faith all of his ways. Who is it?
A33: Saint Matthew
Q34: Fisher of men by Galilee’s shore, he left his nets at Jesus’ core. Brother of Andrew who came first to believe, this “Rock” on whom Jesus said he would build Church’s nave. Who is it?
A34: Saint Peter
Q35: Natural leader among the apostles all, involved in ministry since Pentecosts’ call. With Paul he went on journeys mission bound, standing firm in faith that did abound. Who is it?
A35: Saint Barnabas
Q36: Apostle who asked “Lord how many times should forgive?” was taught by Jesus love without repreive. Martyred in Ethiopia spreading the Word, endurance through trials for Christ as he urged. Who is it?
A36: Saint Matthew
Q37: Jesus’ great commission was their sacred role, to spread the Gospel across land, culture and soul. With staff and sandals they walked many miles, igniting faith through community and trials. Who are they?
A37: The missionary apostles
Q38: Numbering seventy-two these disciples were sent, to towns and lands on Jesus’ work intent. Healing and teaching as they were bid, sowing seeds where the Word might spread. Who are they?
A38: The Seventy-two disciples
Q39: This season begins with anticipation, of Jesus’ birth and Incarnation. With four weeks of hope, love, joy and peace, we await the coming of Jesus with increase. What is it?
A39: Advent
Q40: These special Sundays help stir preparation, for Christmas coming with jubilation. Marked by wreaths with candles burning bright, their symbols stir our watchful delight. What are they?
A40: The four Sundays of Advent
Q41: Longest liturgical season of the year, in Ordinary Time the Gospel we hear. From Jesus’ life and teachings so rife, stories instilling faith in daily life. What is it?
A41: Ordinary Time
Q42: Starts on Epiphany, this time filled with green, of growth and learning what faith does mean. Through readings and homilies we explore, our call to follow Christ evermore. What is it?
A42: Ordinary Time
Q43: These forty days signal our Lent trek beginning, time of repentance and souls amending. With prayer, fasting and giving alms pronounced, we seek God’s mercy new-announced. What is it?
A43: Lent
Q44: Covered in purple, a reminder of sorrow, our Lenten journey we must not borrow. But walk in true contrition of spirit, uniting to Christ, from sin we must merit. What is it?
A44: The color purple during Lent
Q45: This Holy Week remembers Jesus’ last days, his triumphal entry we shout Hosannas in praise. From Last Supper to crucifixion we recall, Christ’s passion and resurrection for one and all. What is it?
A45: Holy Week
Q46: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter’s first light, Triduum liturgies transition day into night. From Last Supper to cross to empty tomb testimony, we reflect on Christ’s salvific history. What is it?
A46: The Easter Triduum
Q47: Paschal mystery is central to this week, through worship and symbol we our faith do seek. Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection we praise, the Holy Spirit filling us with hopeful grace. What is it?
A47: The Easter Triduum
Q48: Culminating the Lenten forty days we’ve known, this Sunday commemorates Jesus entering Jerusalem shown. With palm branches honoring the coming King, Hosannas resound as we his praises sing. What is it?
A48: Palm Sunday
Q49: Institution of Eucharist and priesthood origin, at the Lord’s Last Supper on Maundy Thursday was done. Washing feet reminds us to serve so true, uniting with Jesus in all we do. What is it?
A49: Holy Thursday
Q50: Stations trace Jesus’ steps to Calvary’s hill, as with solemn devotion we seek to fulfill, our journey with Him on the via crucis way, reflecting on His sacrifice we pause, reflect and pray. What is it?
A50: The Stations of the Cross
Q51: The Pascal candle brought into the night, dispelling darkness with Christ as our light. Lit from new fire this column does boldly state, He is risen! We share in triumph fate. What is it?
A51: The Paschal candle at Easter Vigil
Conclusion
I hope these 51 riddles about the liturgical calendar have provided an engaging way to reflect on key feasts, seasons and traditions throughout the church year. Walking through the annual cycle from Advent to Easter, Ordinary Time and more, we discover how the story of faith is brought vividly to life. Celebrating the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ, the liturgical calendar deepens our understanding and connection to God’s steadfast, redeeming love. May these riddles and answers provide food for thought, inspiration for further study, and insight into the meaningful spiritual rhythms that guide us as Christians devoted to worship and renewal.
