| DIES | 21 Sun | 22 Mon | 23 Tue | 24 Wed | 25 Thu | 26 Fri | 27 Sat | 28 Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officium | | S. Thomæ Apostoli | Feria III infra Hebdomadam IV Adventu | In Vigilia Nativitatis Domini | In Nativitate Domini | S. Stephani Protomartyris | S. Johanni Apostoli | Ss. Innocentium |
| Classis | Dominica I. classis | Duplex II | Feria major | Duplex I | Duplex II | Duplex II | Duplex II | Duplex II |
| Color* | Purpura | Rubeum | Purpura | Purpura | Albus | Rubeum | Albus | Rubeum |
| Missa | Roráte, cœli | Mihi autem | Roráte, cœli | Hódie sciétis | Sedérunt | In médio | Ex ore | |
| Orationes | 2a. de S. Maria 3a. Contra Persecutores | 2a. Feria II , IV Adventus | 2a. de S. Maria 3a. Contra Persecutores | NA | Missae in Nocte, in Aurora., in Die | 2a. Pro Octava Nativitatis | 2a. Pro Octava Nativitatis | 2a. Pro Octava Nativitatis |
| Notae | no Gl. Cr. Pref. de sanctissima Trinitate | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Apostolis | no Al. no Gl. Pref. de Communis | no Al. no Gl. Pref. de Communis | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes |
| Nota Bene/Vel/Votiva |
| DIES | 29 Mon | 30 Tue | 31 Wed | 01 Thu | 02 Fri | 03 Sat | 04 Sun | 05 Mon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officium | | Dominica Infra Octavam Nativitatis | S. Silvestri Papæ et Confessoris | In Circumcisione Domini | In Octava S. Stephani Protomartyris | In Octava S. Joannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ | In Octava Ss. Innocentium | In Vigilia Epiphaniæ |
| Classis | Duplex | Semiduplex | Duplex | Duplex II | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Semiduplex |
| Color* | Rubeum | Albus | Albus | Albus | Rubeum | Albus | Rubeum | Albus |
| Missa | Gaudeámus | Dum médium | Sacerdótes Dei | Puer natus | Sedérunt | In médio | Ex ore | Dum médium |
| Orationes | 2a. Pro Octava Nativitatis 3a. S. Stephano Protomartyre 4a. S. Joanne Evangelista 5a. Ss. Innocentibus | 2a. Pro Octava Nativitatis 3a. S. Stephano Protomartyre 4a. S. Joanne Evangelista 5a. Ss. Innocentibus | 2a. Pro Octava Nativitatis 3a. S. Stephano Protomartyre 4a. S. Joanne Evangelista 5a. Ss. Innocentibus | 2a. S. Stephano Protomartyre 3a. S. Joanne Evangelista 4a. Ss. Innocentibus | 2a. S. Joanne Evangelista 3a. Ss. Innocentibus | 2a. Ss. Innocentibus | NA | 2a. S. Telesphori Papæ et MartyrisMaria 3a. de S. Maria tempore post partum |
| Notae | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis et Communicantes | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis | Gl. Cr. Pref. de Nativitatis |
| Nota Bene/Vel/Votiva | O Sapientia | O Adonai | O Radix Jesse | O Clavis David | O Oriens |
Sunday, 21 December — Dominica IV Adventus
(S. Thomas Apostolus transferred to Monday)
The Fourth Sunday of Advent is marked by immediacy. The Gospel narratives move decisively toward Bethlehem. The Virgin is no longer simply foretold but present; Emmanuel is no longer distant but at the threshold. Liturgically, this Sunday is sober and intense, with no relaxation of discipline. The Church stands at the edge of fulfilment, calling the faithful to silence, recollection, and interior readiness. St Thomas’s transfer underscores this transition: from Advent expectation to apostolic witness grounded in the Incarnation now accomplished.
O Oriens, splendor lucis æternæ, et sol justitiæ:
veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris
et umbra mortis.
English: O Dayspring, splendour of eternal light and sun of justice:
come, and enlighten those who
Monday, 22 December
St Thomas the Apostle stands as the Church’s witness to faith born not of sentiment but of encounter. Known in the Gospel for his initial refusal to believe without seeing, Thomas is neither rebuked nor dismissed by Christ, but drawn into a deeper confession: “My Lord and my God.” His doubt becomes the occasion of the clearest profession of Christ’s divinity in the New Testament, and thus a providential strengthening of the Church’s faith. Tradition holds that Thomas carried the Gospel as far as India, sealing his apostolic mission with martyrdom. Celebrated within the Advent season, his feast reminds the faithful that the Child born at Bethlehem is the same Lord who will demand belief, obedience, and, if necessary, the gift of one’s life.
O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.
English: O King of the gentiles and their desired One, the cornerstone that makes both one: come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth.
Tuesday, 23 December
The Feria of the Fourth Week of Advent draws the Church into an atmosphere of silence, urgency, and interior recollection as the Nativity stands immediately before her. Stripped of festal ornament, the ferial liturgy intensifies Advent’s essential posture: watchful waiting under the shadow of fulfilment. The Scriptures narrow their focus from distant prophecy to imminent reality, and the prayers of the Mass press insistently upon readiness of heart. In these final days, the Church teaches that preparation for Christmas is not distraction or haste, but stillness, repentance, and faith — a deliberate making of room for the Lord who comes quietly, yet decisively, into history.
O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.
English: O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: come to save us, O Lord our God.
Wednesday, 24 December – Vigil of the Nativity
In Vigilia Nativitatis Domini ~ Duplex I. classis
- Liturgical Colour: Violet
- Mass: “Hodie scietis” (Vigil Mass of the Nativity)
- Epistle: Romans 1:1-6
- Gospel: St Matthew 1:18-21
- Preface: Preface of the Common
- Commemorations: None
- Special Notes: Fasting and abstinence observed; Mass is traditionally offered late afternoon; anticipation of the joy of Christmas.
Thursday, 25 December – Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas)
In Nativitate Domini ~ Duplex I. classis
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Midnight Mass: Missa in Nócte “Dóminus dixit” Mass of the Angels
- Epistle: Titus 2:11-15
- Gospel: St Luke 2:1-14
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: None
- Proper Last Gospel: St John 1:1-14
- Dawn Mass: Missa in Auríra “Lux fulgébit” – Mass of the Shepherds
- Epistle: Titus 3:4-7
- Gospel: St Luke 2:15-20
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: For St. Anastasia
- Proper Last Gospel: St John 1:1-14
- Day Mass: Missa in Dié “Puer natus” Mass of the King
- Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12
- Gospel: St John 1:1-14
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: None
- Proper Last Gospel: St Matthew 2:1-12
- Special Notes: Holy Day of Obligation; three distinct Masses celebrate the mystery of Christ’s birth. The commemoration of St. Anastasia is made at the Second Mass.
Missalette: First Mass of Christmas Day
Missalette: Second Mass of Christmas Day
Missalette: Third Mass of Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December – St. Stephen, First Martyr
S. Stephani Protomartyris ~ Duplex II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Mass: “Sedérunt príncipes”
- Epistle: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
- Gospel: St Matthew 23:34-39
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: Octave of the Nativity
- Special Notes: First of the Comites Christi (Companions of Christ).
Missalette: St Stephen Protomartyr
Saturday, 27 December – St. John the Apostle and Evangelist
S. Johanni Apostoli ~ Duplex II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “In Medio Ecclesiæ”
- Epistle: 1 John 1:1-4
- Gospel: St John 21:19-24
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the Nativity
- Special Notes: Second of the Comites Christi.
Missalette: St John the Apostle
Sunday, 28 December – Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Ss. Innocentium ~ Duplex II. classis
Falling on a Sunday this year, the liturgical colour is red (as on the octave day) instead of violet.
- Liturgical Colour: Red (being Sunday)
- Mass: “Ex Ore Infántium”
- Epistle: 1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-2
- Gospel: St Matthew 2:13-18
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the Nativity
- Special Notes: Third of the Comites Christi; focus on the innocent victims of Herod’s cruelty.
Missalette: Holy Innocents
Monday, 29 December – St. Thomas of Canterbury
S. Thomæ Cantuariensis Episcopi et Martyris ~ Duplex
- Mass St. Thomas of Canterbury: “Statuit Ei Dominus”
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Epistle: Hebrews 5:1-6
- Gospel: St John 10:11-16
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the the Nativity
- Proper Last Gospel: St Luke 2:33-40 (Sunday in the Octave of the Nativity)
- Special Notes: St. Thomas Becket, Martyr and Archbishop of Canterbury, is celebrated in the UK and Churches/Chapels dedicated under his patronage. Both celebrations may be observed; consult local Ordo.
Missalette: St Thomas of Canterbury
Tuesday, 30 December – Sunday in the Octave of Christmas
Dominica Infra Octavam Nativitatis ~ Semiduplex Dominica minor
- SUNDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass Sunday in the Octave: “Dum Médium Silentium”
- Epistle: Galatians 4:1-7
- Gospel: St Luke 2:33-40
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the the Nativity
- St Thomas of Canterbury
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
Missalette: Sunday in the Octave of the Nativity
Wednesday, 31 December – St. Sylvester I, Pope
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “Sacerdótes Tui”
- Epistle: 1 Peter 5:1-4, 10-11
- Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the Nativity
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
- Special Notes: Pope St. Sylvester I is commemorated for his role in the early Church and the Council of Nicaea.
Thursday, 1 January – The Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ
In Circumcisione Domini ~ Duplex II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “Puer natus”
- Epistle: Galatians 4:1-7
- Gospel: Luke 2:21
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
- Special Notes: Holy Day of Obligation; commemorates the circumcision and naming of Jesus.
Missalette: The Circumcision of Our Lord
Friday, 2 January – The Octave Day of St Stephen Protomartyr
In Octava Sancti Stephani Protomartyris ~ Duplex
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Mass: “Sedérunt príncipes”
- Epistle: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
- Gospel: St Matthew 23:34-39
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
Saturday, 3 January – The Octave Day of St John the Evangelist
In Octava S. Joannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ ~ Duplex
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “In médio Ecclésiæ”
- Epistle: Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6
- Gospel: St John 21:19-24
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
Sunday, 4 January – The Octave Day of Holy Innocents
In Octava Ss. Innocentium ~ Duplex
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Mass: “Ex ore infántium”
- Epistle: Revelation 14:1-5
- Gospel: St Matthew 2:13-18
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations: None
- Special Notes: today the Holy Innocents are remembered as martyrs.
Monday, 5 January – Vigil of the Epiphany
In Vigilia Epiphaniæ ~ Semiduplex
- Liturgical Color: White
- Mass: “Dum Médium Silentium” (from the Octave of the Nativity)
- Epistle: Galations 4:1-7
- Gospel: St Matthew 2:19-23
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations: de Sancta Maria
- Special Notes:
- This is the Twelfth day since the Birth of our Emmanuel. If the Vigil of the Epiphany fall on a Sunday, it shares, with Christmas Eve, the privilege of not being anticipated, as all other Vigils are, on the Saturday: it is kept on the Sunday, has all the privileges of a Sunday, and the Mass is that of the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas Day. Let us, therefore, celebrate this Vigil in great joy of heart, and prepare our souls for tomorrow’s graces.
- Epiphany Water: is blessed after Compline or after Mattins. This blessing comes from the Orient, where the Church has long emphasized in her celebration of Epiphany the mystery of our Lord’s baptism, and by analogy our baptism. This aspect is not neglected in western Christendom, although in practice we have concentrated on the visit of the Magi. Many years before the Latin Rite officially adopted the blessing of Epiphany water, diocesan rituals, notably in lower Italy, had contained such a blessing.
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