January 5
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
4th classJanuary 5
Commemoration of Saint Telesphorus, Pope and Martyr
Feast shown for the year 2027; movable feasts can vary from year to year.
On January 5, the liturgy commemorates the Vigil of the Epiphany. This day, falling just before the feast of the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, serves as a preparatory moment in the Church's calendar. In Western Christian tradition, vigils are days of spiritual anticipation, marked by prayer and fasting, as the faithful look ahead to a major solemnity. The Vigil of the Epiphany readies Christians for the revelation of Christ’s divinity, as represented by the visit of the Magi, and the manifestation of Christ to all nations beyond Israel.
Throughout history, the Epiphany has ranked among the most ancient and important feasts, so its vigil carries an air of solemn expectation. The faithful are invited to meditate on the coming manifestation of Jesus. The day is kept in a relatively simple manner—the liturgical texts and ceremonies are less elaborate than those of the feast itself, reflecting a spirit of watchfulness. The white liturgical color points to the joy and glory of the feast that follows, though the vigil itself remains a day of preparation.
The keeping of a vigil for a feast as significant as the Epiphany demonstrates the Church’s understanding of the importance of spiritual readiness. It gently reminds the faithful to pause and prepare their hearts for the revelation of Christ’s glory, mindful of God’s universal call to all people. Even as Christmas draws to its final moments, the vigil directs the soul to look eagerly to the dawning Light that shines to the world in the feast of the Epiphany.
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Questions about January 5 (Vetus Ordo Missae)
Local variations
- Africa — Sts Longinus, Eugene and Vindemial, bishops
Liturgical texts of January 5, 2027
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 →
IntroitIsa 9:6
Latin
Isa 9:6
Puer natus est nobis, et fílius datus est nobis: cuius impérium super húmerum eius: et vocábitur nomen eius magni consílii Angelus.
Ps 97:1
Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum, quia mirabília fecit.
℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
℟. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.
Puer natus est nobis, et fílius datus est nobis: cuius impérium super húmerum eius: et vocábitur nomen eius magni consílii Angelus.
English
Isa 9:6
A Child is born to us, a Son is given to us; upon His shoulder dominion rests; and His name shall be called the Angel of great counsel.
Ps 97:1
Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous deeds.
℣. 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.
A Child is born to us, a Son is given to us; upon His shoulder dominion rests; and His name shall be called the Angel of great counsel.
Collect
Latin
Orémus.
Deus, qui salútis ætérnæ, beátæ Maríæ virginitáte fecúnda, humáno generi præmia præstitísti: tríbue, quǽsumus; ut ipsam pro nobis intercédere sentiámus, per quam merúimus auctórem vitæ suscípere, Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum:
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Telesphori Papæ et Martyris
Gregem tuum, Pastor ætérne, placátus inténde: et, per beátum Telésphorum Mártyrem tuum atque Summum Pontíficem, perpétua protectióne custódi; quem totíus Ecclésiæ præstitísti esse pastórem.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Deus, qui salútis ætérnæ, beátæ Maríæ virginitáte fecúnda, humáno generi præmia præstitísti: tríbue, quǽsumus; ut ipsam pro nobis intercédere sentiámus, per quam merúimus auctórem vitæ suscípere, Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum:
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Telesphori Papæ et Martyris
Gregem tuum, Pastor ætérne, placátus inténde: et, per beátum Telésphorum Mártyrem tuum atque Summum Pontíficem, perpétua protectióne custódi; quem totíus Ecclésiæ præstitísti esse pastórem.
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 God, Who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, have bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we may enjoy the intercession of her through whom we have been found worthy to receive among us the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who livest and reignest with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen
Let us pray.
Commemoration St. Telesphorus, Pope and Martyr
Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Telesphorus thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.
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 God, Who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, have bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we may enjoy the intercession of her through whom we have been found worthy to receive among us the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who livest and reignest with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen
Let us pray.
Commemoration St. Telesphorus, Pope and Martyr
Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Telesphorus thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.
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.
LessonTit 2:11-15
Latin
Léctio Epístolæ beati Pauli Apóstoli ad Titum
Tit 2:11-15
Caríssime: Appáruit grátia Dei Salvatóris nostri ómnibus homínibus, erúdiens nos, ut, abnegántes impietátem et sæculária desidéria, sóbrie et iuste et pie vivámus in hoc sǽculo, exspectántes beátam spem et advéntum glóriæ magni Dei et Salvatóris nostri Iesu Christi: qui dedit semetípsum pro nobis: ut nos redímeret ab omni iniquitáte, et mundáret sibi pópulum acceptábilem, sectatórem bonórum óperum. Hæc lóquere et exhortáre: in Christo Iesu, Dómino nostro.
℟. Deo grátias.
English
Lesson from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to Titus
Titus 2:11-15
Beloved: The grace of God our Saviour has appeared to all men, instructing us, in order that, rejecting ungodliness and worldly lusts, we may live temperately and justly and piously in this world; looking for the blessed hope and glorious coming of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and cleanse for Himself an acceptable people, pursuing good works. Thus speak, and exhort, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
℟. Thanks be to God.
GradualHeb 1:1-2
Latin
Ps 97:3; 97:2
Vidérunt omnes fines terræ salutare Dei nostri: iubiláte Deo, omnis terra.
℣. Notum fecit Dominus salutare suum: ante conspéctum géntium revelávit iustitiam suam.
Allelúia, allelúia.
Heb 1:1-2
Multifárie olim Deus loquens pátribus in Prophétis, novíssime diébus istis locútus est nobis in Fílio. Allelúia.
English
Ps 97: 3, 4, 2
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to God, all you lands.
℣. The Lord has made His salvation known: in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice. Alleluia, alleluia.
Heb 1:1-2
℣. God, Who in diverse ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets; last of all, in these days, has spoken to us by His Son. Alleluia.
GospelLuc 2:21
Latin
Sequéntia + sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Luc 2:21
In illo témpore: Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur Puer: vocátum est nomen eius Iesus, quod vocátum est ab Angelo, priúsquam in útero conciperétur.
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Luc 2:21
In illo témpore: Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur Puer: vocátum est nomen eius Iesus, quod vocátum est ab Angelo, priúsquam in útero conciperétur.
English
Continuation ✠ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 2:21
At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given Him by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 2:21
At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given Him by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
OffertoryPs 88:12
Latin
Orémus.
Ps 88:12; 88:15
Tui sunt cœli et tua est terra: orbem terrárum et plenitúdinem eius tu fundásti: iustítia et iudícium præparátio sedis tuæ.
Ps 88:12; 88:15
Tui sunt cœli et tua est terra: orbem terrárum et plenitúdinem eius tu fundásti: iustítia et iudícium præparátio sedis tuæ.
English
Let us pray.
Ps 88:12, 15
Yours are the heavens, and Yours is the earth; the world and its fullness You have founded. Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne.
Ps 88:12, 15
Yours are the heavens, and Yours is the earth; the world and its fullness You have founded. Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne.
Secret
Latin
Munéribus nostris, quǽsumus, Dómine, precibúsque suscéptis: et cœléstibus nos munda mystériis, et cleménter exáudi.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Commemoratio S. Telesphori Papæ et Martyris
Oblátis munéribus, quǽsumus, Dómine, Ecclésiam tuam benígnus illúmina: ut, et gregis tui profíciat ubíque succéssus, et grati fiant nómini tuo, te gubernánte, pastóres.
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. Telesphori Papæ et Martyris
Oblátis munéribus, quǽsumus, Dómine, Ecclésiam tuam benígnus illúmina: ut, et gregis tui profíciat ubíque succéssus, et grati fiant nómini tuo, te gubernánte, pastóres.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
English
As thou hast received our gifts and prayers, O Lord, cleanse us, we ask by thy heavenly mysteries, and graciously hear us.
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. Telesphorus, Pope and Martyr
By the offered gifts we beseech thee, O Lord, that thou kindly enlighten thy Church, so that thy flock may everywhere progress and prosper, and thy shepherds, under thy guidance may be pleasing to thy name.
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. Telesphorus, Pope and Martyr
By the offered gifts we beseech thee, O Lord, that thou kindly enlighten thy Church, so that thy flock may everywhere progress and prosper, and thy shepherds, under thy guidance may be pleasing to thy name.
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.
CommunionPs 97:3
Latin
Ps 97:3
Vidérunt omnes fines terræ salutáre Dei nostri.
English
Ps 97:3
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
Post Communion
Latin
Orémus.
Hæc nos commúnio, Dómine, purget a crímine: et, intercedénte beáta Vírgine Dei Genetríce María, cœléstis remédii fáciat esse consórtes.
Per eúndem Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Telesphori Papæ et Martyris
Refectióne sancta enutrítam gubérna, quǽsumus, Dómine, tuam placátus Ecclésiam: ut, poténti moderatióne dirécta, et increménta libertátis accípiat et in religiónis integritáte persístat.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Hæc nos commúnio, Dómine, purget a crímine: et, intercedénte beáta Vírgine Dei Genetríce María, cœléstis remédii fáciat esse consórtes.
Per eúndem Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio S. Telesphori Papæ et Martyris
Refectióne sancta enutrítam gubérna, quǽsumus, Dómine, tuam placátus Ecclésiam: ut, poténti moderatióne dirécta, et increménta libertátis accípiat et in religiónis integritáte persístat.
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.
May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from sin and, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, make us sharers of Your heavenly healing.
Through the same 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. Telesphorus, Pope and Martyr
Being appeased, O Lord, guide thy Church, which has been nourished by holy refreshment, that under thy direction and powerful rule it may receive increase of liberty and may continue in religious integrity.
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.
May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us from sin and, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, make us sharers of Your heavenly healing.
Through the same 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. Telesphorus, Pope and Martyr
Being appeased, O Lord, guide thy Church, which has been nourished by holy refreshment, that under thy direction and powerful rule it may receive increase of liberty and may continue in religious integrity.
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