July 29
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
3rd classSt. Martha, Virgin
Wednesday of the 9th Week after Pentecost
Today, in the traditional (1962) Roman calendar, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Martha, Virgin. St. Martha is well known from the Gospels as the sister of Mary and Lazarus, residents of Bethany, and close friends of Jesus Christ. She is most famously remembered for welcoming Jesus into her home and, when her brother Lazarus died, expressing faith in Christ's power to save. Martha’s apostolic hospitality and active service have been held up by the Church as a particular model of charity and industriousness balanced with attentive faith. Her conversations with the Lord, especially in the Gospel according to St. John, show her firm belief in Christ’s divinity and the resurrection.
Although later legend ascribes various missionary journeys or final resting places to Martha—most notably, traditions in Provence, France—these accounts are not historically certain. What remains constant in the Church’s tradition is her status as a holy woman singularly devoted to hospitality and faith, traits especially emphasized in monastic and religious communities. The traditional Roman calendar places her feast on July 29, connected to ancient commemoration in the Western Church, and formerly observed alongside her siblings, but distinguished here in her own right. The feast is of III class, highlighting her importance but giving precedence to major ranks. St. Martha’s commemoration invites the faithful to see the sanctity in attentive, loving service united to Christ’s promise of eternal life.
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Questions about St. Martha, Virgin (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 →
IntroitPs 44:8
Latin
Ps 44:8
Dilexísti iustítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: proptérea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
Ps 44:2
Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego ópera mea Regi.
℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
℟. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.
Dilexísti iustítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: proptérea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
English
Ps 44:8
Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Ps 44:2
My heart hath uttered a good word I speak my works to the king.
℣. 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.
Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Collect
Latin
Orémus.
Exáudi nos, Deus, salutáris noster: ut sicut de beátæ Marthæ Vírginis tuæ festivitáte gaudémus; ita piæ devotiónis erudiámur afféctu.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio Ss. Felicis, Simplicii, Faustini et Beatricis Martyrum
Præsta, quǽsumus, Dómine: ut, sicut pópulus christiánus Mártyrum tuórum Felícis, Simplícii, Faustíni et Beatrícis temporáli sollemnitáte congáudet, ita perfruátur ætérna; et, quod votis célebrat, comprehéndat efféctu.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Exáudi nos, Deus, salutáris noster: ut sicut de beátæ Marthæ Vírginis tuæ festivitáte gaudémus; ita piæ devotiónis erudiámur afféctu.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio Ss. Felicis, Simplicii, Faustini et Beatricis Martyrum
Præsta, quǽsumus, Dómine: ut, sicut pópulus christiánus Mártyrum tuórum Felícis, Simplícii, Faustíni et Beatrícis temporáli sollemnitáte congáudet, ita perfruátur ætérna; et, quod votis célebrat, comprehéndat efféctu.
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.
Hear us, O God, our Saviour, that as we are gladdened by the festival of blessed Martha thy virgin, so we may learn from it piety and devotion.
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 Sts. Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrix, Martyrs
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord, that as Christian people on earth rejoice together on the feast of Your Martyrs, Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice, so may they enjoy it in eternity, and may truly obtain what they honor in their prayers.
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.
Hear us, O God, our Saviour, that as we are gladdened by the festival of blessed Martha thy virgin, so we may learn from it piety and devotion.
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 Sts. Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrix, Martyrs
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord, that as Christian people on earth rejoice together on the feast of Your Martyrs, Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice, so may they enjoy it in eternity, and may truly obtain what they honor in their prayers.
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.
Lesson2 Cor 10:17-18
Latin
Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios
2 Cor 10:17-18; 11:1-2
Fratres: Qui gloriátur, in Dómino gloriétur. Non enim, qui seípsum comméndat, ille probátus est; sed quem Deus comméndat. Utinam sustinerétis módicum quid insipiéntiæ meæ, sed et supportáte me: æmulor enim vos Dei æmulatióne. Despóndi enim vos uni viro vírginem castam exhibére Christo.
℟. Deo grátias.
English
Lesson from the second letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
2 Cor 10:17-18; 11:1-2
Brothers: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commendeth himself, is approved, but he, whom God commendeth. Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
℟. Thanks be to God.
GradualPs 44:5
Latin
Ps 44:5
Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua inténde, próspere procéde et regna.
℣. Propter veritátem et mansuetúdinem et iustítiam: et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.
Allelúia, allelúia.
Ps 44:15-16
Adducéntur Regi Vírgines post eam: próximæ eius afferéntur tibi in lætítia. Allelúia.
English
Ps 44:5
With thy comeliness and thy beauty set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.
℣. Because of truth and meekness and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully. Alleluja, alleluja.
Ps 44:15-16
After her shall virgins be brought to the king: They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing. Alleluja.
GospelLuc 10:38-42
Latin
Sequéntia + sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Luc 10:38-42
In illo témpore: Intravit Iesus in quoddam castellum: et mulier quaedam, Martha nomine, excepit illum in domum suam et huic erat soror nomine Maria quae etiam sedens secus pedes Domini audiebat verbum illius. Martha autem satagebat circa frequens ministerium quae stetit, et ait: Domine non est tibi curae quod soror mea reliquit me solam ministrare dic ergo illi ut me adiuvet et respondens dixit illi Dominus: “Martha, Martha, sollicita es, et turbaris erga plurima: porro unum est necessarium. Maria optimam partem elegit, quae non auferetur ab ea.”
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Luc 10:38-42
In illo témpore: Intravit Iesus in quoddam castellum: et mulier quaedam, Martha nomine, excepit illum in domum suam et huic erat soror nomine Maria quae etiam sedens secus pedes Domini audiebat verbum illius. Martha autem satagebat circa frequens ministerium quae stetit, et ait: Domine non est tibi curae quod soror mea reliquit me solam ministrare dic ergo illi ut me adiuvet et respondens dixit illi Dominus: “Martha, Martha, sollicita es, et turbaris erga plurima: porro unum est necessarium. Maria optimam partem elegit, quae non auferetur ab ea.”
English
Continuation ✠ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 10:38-42
At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcome Him to her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also seated herself at the Lord’s feet, and listened to His word. But Martha was busy about much serving. And she came up and said, Lord, is it not concern of Yours that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her therefore to help me. But the Lord answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; and yet only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the best part, and it will not be taken away from her.
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 10:38-42
At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcome Him to her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also seated herself at the Lord’s feet, and listened to His word. But Martha was busy about much serving. And she came up and said, Lord, is it not concern of Yours that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her therefore to help me. But the Lord answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; and yet only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the best part, and it will not be taken away from her.
OffertoryPs 44:10
Latin
Orémus.
Ps 44:10
Fíliæ regum in honóre tuo, ástitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto, circúmdata varietáte.
Ps 44:10
Fíliæ regum in honóre tuo, ástitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto, circúmdata varietáte.
English
Let us pray.
Ps 44:10
The daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety.
Ps 44:10
The daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; surrounded with variety.
Secret
Latin
Accépta tibi sit, Dómine, sacrátæ plebis oblátio pro tuórum honóre Sanctórum: quorum se méritis de tribulatióne percepísse cognóscit auxílium.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Commemoratio Ss. Felicis, Simplicii, Faustini et Beatricis Martyrum
Hóstias tibi, Dómine, pro sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Felícis, Simplícii, Faustíni et Beatrícis commemoratióne deférimus: supplíciter deprecántes; ut indulgéntiam nobis páriter cónferant et salútem.
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 Ss. Felicis, Simplicii, Faustini et Beatricis Martyrum
Hóstias tibi, Dómine, pro sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Felícis, Simplícii, Faustíni et Beatrícis commemoratióne deférimus: supplíciter deprecántes; ut indulgéntiam nobis páriter cónferant et salútem.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
English
May the service of thy holy people be acceptable to Thee, O Lord, and honorable to thy saints, through whose merits we know that we have received help in trouble.
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 Sts. Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrix, Martyrs
In memory of Your holy Martyrs, Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice, we bring these sacrificial gifts, O Lord, humbly praying that they may be helpful for us in obtaining Your forgiveness and 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 Sts. Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrix, Martyrs
In memory of Your holy Martyrs, Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice, we bring these sacrificial gifts, O Lord, humbly praying that they may be helpful for us in obtaining Your forgiveness and 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 25:4-6
Latin
Matt 25:4-6
Quinque prudéntes vírgines accepérunt óleum in vasis suis cum lampádibus: média autem nocte clamor factus est: Ecce, sponsus venit: exíte óbviam Christo Dómino.
English
Matt 25:4; 25:6
The five wise virgins took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet Christ the Lord.
Post Communion
Latin
Orémus.
Satiásti, Dómine, famíliam tuam munéribus sacris: eius, quǽsumus, semper interventióne nos réfove, cuius sollémnia celebrámus.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio Ss. Felicis, Simplicii, Faustini et Beatricis Martyrum
Præsta, quǽsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut sanctórum Martyrum tuórum Felícis, Simplícii, Faustíni et Beatrícis cœléstibus mýsteriis celebráta sollémnitas, indulgéntiam nobis tuæ propitiatiónis acquírat.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Satiásti, Dómine, famíliam tuam munéribus sacris: eius, quǽsumus, semper interventióne nos réfove, cuius sollémnia celebrámus.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Orémus.
Commemoratio Ss. Felicis, Simplicii, Faustini et Beatricis Martyrum
Præsta, quǽsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut sanctórum Martyrum tuórum Felícis, Simplícii, Faustíni et Beatrícis cœléstibus mýsteriis celebráta sollémnitas, indulgéntiam nobis tuæ propitiatiónis acquírat.
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.
Thou hast fed thy servants, O Lord, with the holy gifts; comfort us ever we pray, by her intercession whose festival we celebrate.
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 Sts. Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrix, Martyrs
We beseech You, almighty God, that the feast of Your holy Martyrs, Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice, celebrated with heavenly rites, may gain for us the mercy of Your forgiveness.
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.
Thou hast fed thy servants, O Lord, with the holy gifts; comfort us ever we pray, by her intercession whose festival we celebrate.
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 Sts. Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrix, Martyrs
We beseech You, almighty God, that the feast of Your holy Martyrs, Felix, Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice, celebrated with heavenly rites, may gain for us the mercy of Your forgiveness.
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