December 27
NOM and VOM in briefThe Novus Ordo Missae (NOM) is the form of the mass that came out of the Second Vatican Council, celebrated in most parishes. The Vetus Ordo Missae (VOM) is the earlier form, in Latin, following the 1960 rubrics. The two calendars differ: on some days they celebrate different feasts.Learn more →
Liturgical colour : White
2nd classSunday within the Octave of Christmas
Commemoration of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist
The Sunday within the Octave of Christmas holds a special place in the liturgy as it continues the celebration of the Incarnation of the Word. Occurring between the Nativity and the Feast of the Circumcision, this Sunday draws the faithful into the peaceful joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. The liturgical texts and prayers for this day direct attention to the humility of the Holy Family and the profound mystery of God’s love made manifest in the Infant Jesus.
This Sunday emphasizes meditating on the events following the Nativity—particularly the Presentation in the Temple and the obedience of the Holy Family to the Law, as well as the recognition of Christ by Simeon and Anna. The lesson encourages Christians to contemplate Mary’s role as Mother of God and Joseph’s fidelity as her spouse, holding them as models of obedience, hope, and quiet strength. The ancient liturgy underlines the importance of the Holy Family as an exemplar for Christian households, reminding the faithful of the sanctifying presence of Christ in ordinary family life.
By keeping this Sunday with solemnity, the Church underscores the enduring marvel of the Word made flesh, inviting all believers to extend their Christmas joy into the days that follow. The recurring cycle of these liturgical celebrations situates the Incarnation not merely as a past event but as a present, living mystery woven into the fabric of daily Christian existence.
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Questions about Sunday within the Octave of Christmas (Vetus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
NOM and VOM in briefThe Novus Ordo Missae (NOM) is the form of the mass that came out of the Second Vatican Council, celebrated in most parishes. The Vetus Ordo Missae (VOM) is the earlier form, in Latin, following the 1960 rubrics. The two calendars differ: on some days they celebrate different feasts.Learn more →
IntroitSap 18:14-15
Latin
Sap 18:14-15.
Dum médium siléntium tenérent ómnia, et nox in suo cursu médium iter háberet, omnípotens Sermo tuus, Dómine, de cœlis a regálibus sédibus venit.
Ps 92:1
Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se.
℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
℟. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.
Dum médium siléntium tenérent ómnia, et nox in suo cursu médium iter háberet, omnípotens Sermo tuus, Dómine, de cœlis a regálibus sédibus venit.
English
Wis 18:14-15
When a profound stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful Word, O Lord, bounded from heaven’s royal throne.
Ps 92:1
The Lord is King, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
When a profound stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful Word, O Lord, bounded from heaven’s royal throne.
Collect
Latin
Orémus.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, dírige actus nostros in beneplácito tuo: ut in nómine dilécti Fílii tui mereámur bonis opéribus abundáre:
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Ioannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ
Ecclésiam tuam, Dómine, benígnus illústra: ut, beáti Ioánnis Apóstoli tui et Evangelístæ illumináta doctrínis, ad dona pervéniat sempitérna.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, dírige actus nostros in beneplácito tuo: ut in nómine dilécti Fílii tui mereámur bonis opéribus abundáre:
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Ioannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ
Ecclésiam tuam, Dómine, benígnus illústra: ut, beáti Ioánnis Apóstoli tui et Evangelístæ illumináta doctrínis, ad dona pervéniat sempitérna.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
English
Let us pray.
O Almighty and eternal God, direct our actions in conformity with Your will, that in the name of Your beloved Son we may be worthy to do good works in abundance.
Who livest and reignest with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen
Let us pray.
Commemoration St. John the Apostle, Evangelist
O Lord, graciously shed light upon Your Church, so that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, Your Apostle and Evangelist, she may gain Your everlasting rewards.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
O Almighty and eternal God, direct our actions in conformity with Your will, that in the name of Your beloved Son we may be worthy to do good works in abundance.
Who livest and reignest with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen
Let us pray.
Commemoration St. John the Apostle, Evangelist
O Lord, graciously shed light upon Your Church, so that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, Your Apostle and Evangelist, she may gain Your everlasting rewards.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
LessonGal 4:1-7
Latin
Lectio Epístolæ beati Pauli Apóstoli ad Gálatas.
Gal 4:1-7
Fratres: Quanto témpore heres párvulus est, nihil differt a servo, cum sit dóminus ómnium: sed sub tutóribus et actóribus est usque ad præfinítum tempus a patre: ita et nos, cum essémus párvuli, sub eleméntis mundi erámus serviéntes. At ubi venit plenitúdo témporis, misit Deus Fílium suum, factum ex mulíere, factum sub lege, ut eos, qui sub lege erant, redímeret, ut adoptiónem filiórum reciperémus. Quóniam autem estis fílii, misit Deus Spíritum Fílii sui in corda vestra, clamántem: Abba, Pater. Itaque iam non est servus, sed fílius: quod si fílius, et heres per Deum.
℟. Deo grátias.
English
Lesson from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
Gal 4:1-7
Brethren: As long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the master of all; but he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. So we too, when we were children, were enslaved under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So that He is no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, an heir also through God.
℟. Thanks be to God.
GradualPs 92:1
Latin
Ps 44:3; 44:2
Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum: diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.
℣. Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum, dico ego ópera mea Regi: lingua mea cálamus scribæ, velóciter scribéntis. Allelúia, allelúia.
Ps 92:1.
Dóminus regnávit, decórem índuit: índuit Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se virtúte. Allelúia.
English
Ps 44:3, 2
Fairer in beauty are You than the sons of men; grace is poured out upon Your lips.
℣. My heart overflows with a goodly theme; as I sing my ode to the King, my tongue is nimble as the pen of a skillful scribe. Alleluia, alleluia.
Ps 92:1
℣. The Lord is King, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength. Alleluia.
GospelLuc 2:33-40
Latin
Sequéntia + sancti Evangélii secundum Lucam.
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Luc 2:33-40
In illo témpore: Erat Ioseph et María Mater Iesu, mirántes super his quæ dicebántur de illo. Et benedíxit illis Símeon, et dixit ad Maríam Matrem eius: Ecce, pósitus est hic in ruínam et in resurrectiónem multórum in Israël: et in signum, cui contradicétur: et tuam ipsíus ánimam pertransíbit gládius, ut reveléntur ex multis córdibus cogitatiónes. Et erat Anna prophetíssa, fília Phánuel, de tribu Aser: hæc procésserat in diébus multis, et víxerat cum viro suo annis septem a virginitáte sua. Et hæc vídua usque ad annos octogínta quátuor: quæ non discedébat de templo, ieiúniis et obsecratiónibus sérviens nocte ac die. Et hæc, ipsa hora supervéniens, confitebátur Dómino, et loquebátur de illo ómnibus, qui exspectábant redemptiónem Israël. Et ut perfecérunt ómnia secúndum legem Dómini, revérsi sunt in Galilǽam in civitátem suam Názareth. Puer autem crescébat, et confortabátur, plenus sapiéntia: et grátia Dei erat in illo.
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Luc 2:33-40
In illo témpore: Erat Ioseph et María Mater Iesu, mirántes super his quæ dicebántur de illo. Et benedíxit illis Símeon, et dixit ad Maríam Matrem eius: Ecce, pósitus est hic in ruínam et in resurrectiónem multórum in Israël: et in signum, cui contradicétur: et tuam ipsíus ánimam pertransíbit gládius, ut reveléntur ex multis córdibus cogitatiónes. Et erat Anna prophetíssa, fília Phánuel, de tribu Aser: hæc procésserat in diébus multis, et víxerat cum viro suo annis septem a virginitáte sua. Et hæc vídua usque ad annos octogínta quátuor: quæ non discedébat de templo, ieiúniis et obsecratiónibus sérviens nocte ac die. Et hæc, ipsa hora supervéniens, confitebátur Dómino, et loquebátur de illo ómnibus, qui exspectábant redemptiónem Israël. Et ut perfecérunt ómnia secúndum legem Dómini, revérsi sunt in Galilǽam in civitátem suam Názareth. Puer autem crescébat, et confortabátur, plenus sapiéntia: et grátia Dei erat in illo.
English
Continuation ✠ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 2:33-40
At that time, Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus were marvelling at the things spoken concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted. And your own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. There was also Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, and by herself as a widow to eighty-four years. She never left the temple, with fastings and prayers worshipping night and day. And coming up at that very hour, she began to give praise to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had fulfilled all things as prescribed in the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, into their own town of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong. He was full of wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 2:33-40
At that time, Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus were marvelling at the things spoken concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted. And your own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. There was also Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, and by herself as a widow to eighty-four years. She never left the temple, with fastings and prayers worshipping night and day. And coming up at that very hour, she began to give praise to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had fulfilled all things as prescribed in the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, into their own town of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong. He was full of wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.
OffertoryPs 92:1-2
Latin
Orémus.
Ps 92:1-2
Deus firmávit orbem terræ, qui non commovébitur: paráta sedes tua, Deus, ex tunc, a sǽculo tu es.
Ps 92:1-2
Deus firmávit orbem terræ, qui non commovébitur: paráta sedes tua, Deus, ex tunc, a sǽculo tu es.
English
Let us pray.
Ps 92:1-2
God has made the world firm, not to be moved. Your throne, O God, stands firm from of old; from everlasting You are.
Ps 92:1-2
God has made the world firm, not to be moved. Your throne, O God, stands firm from of old; from everlasting You are.
Secret
Latin
Concéde, quǽsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut óculis tuæ maiestátis munus oblátum, et grátiam nobis piæ devotiónis obtineat, et efféctum beátæ perennitátis acquírat.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Commemoratio S. Ioannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ
Súscipe, Dómine, múnera, quæ in eius tibi sollemnitáte deférimus, cuius nos confídimus patrocínio liberári.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Commemoratio S. Ioannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ
Súscipe, Dómine, múnera, quæ in eius tibi sollemnitáte deférimus, cuius nos confídimus patrocínio liberári.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
English
Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that the gift offered in the sight of Your majesty may obtain for us the grace of reverent devotion and secure us eternal happiness.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
Commemoration St. John the Apostle, Evangelist
Accept, O Lord, the gifts we bring You on the feast of him upon whose patronage we trust for our salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
Commemoration St. John the Apostle, Evangelist
Accept, O Lord, the gifts we bring You on the feast of him upon whose patronage we trust for our salvation.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
CommunionMatt 2:20
Latin
Matt 2:20
Tolle Púerum et Matrem eius, et vade in terram Israël: defúncti sunt enim, qui quærébant ánimam Púeri.
English
Matt 2:20
Take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.
Post Communion
Latin
Orémus.
Per huius, Dómine, operatiónem mystérii, et vitia nostra purgéntur, et iusta desidéria compleántur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Ioannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ
Refécti cibo potúque cœlésti, Deus noster, te súpplices exorámus: ut, in cuius hæc commemoratióne percépimus, eius muniámur et précibus.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Per huius, Dómine, operatiónem mystérii, et vitia nostra purgéntur, et iusta desidéria compleántur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Ioannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ
Refécti cibo potúque cœlésti, Deus noster, te súpplices exorámus: ut, in cuius hæc commemoratióne percépimus, eius muniámur et précibus.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
English
Let us pray.
By the working of this sacrament, O Lord, may our sins be erased and our just desires fulfilled.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
Let us pray.
Commemoration St. John the Apostle, Evangelist
Refreshed with heavenly food and drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we also may be helped by his prayers in memory of whom we have partaken of these gifts.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
By the working of this sacrament, O Lord, may our sins be erased and our just desires fulfilled.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
Let us pray.
Commemoration St. John the Apostle, Evangelist
Refreshed with heavenly food and drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we also may be helped by his prayers in memory of whom we have partaken of these gifts.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.
Vetus Ordo texts: Divinum Officium