The feast had been celebrated in some local churches since the end of the 15th century at various times throughout the liturgical year – usually on the Sunday between January 1 and January 6. It used the Gospel verse regarding the circumcision as its Gospel since it mentions Jesus’ name.
In 1721, the feast became part of the General Roman Calendar, only to be removed in 1969.
Traditionally, the month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. This dates back to the 16th century practice of dedicating an entire month to a special devotion.
- Little Blue Book, January 3