September 19
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 : Red
3rd classSt Januarius, Bishop and Companions, Martyrs
Saturday after the 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Today, according to the traditional (1962) Roman calendar, is the feast of St. Januarius, Bishop and Martyr, and his Companions. St. Januarius (San Gennaro in Italian) served as the Bishop of Benevento in southern Italy during the late third or early fourth century, a period marked by intense persecution of Christians under Roman emperors such as Diocletian. Although precise historical details are scarce and interwoven with legend, tradition holds that Januarius was arrested for his Christian faith, alongside several companions, and ultimately suffered martyrdom—sources often place this in either 305 AD or thereabouts. The most notable aspect of St. Januarius’ veneration is the miraculous liquefaction of his blood, preserved in a reliquary in Naples, a phenomenon witnessed by the faithful to this day and regarded as a sign of his intercession. Januarius’ cult spread rapidly in Campania and across the Christian world, where he became associated not only with steadfast faith but also with protection against volcanic eruptions, especially those from nearby Mount Vesuvius. His companions, likewise venerated as martyrs of faith, are commemorated together with him on this date according to ancient tradition, underlining the bond of charity and steadfastness that marked their witness. The feast is kept on September 19 in the traditional calendar to mark the presumed date of his martyrdom or an early veneration, at III classis rank, attesting to his standing in the liturgical life of the Western Church through the centuries. As such, this celebration invites the faithful to emulate Januarius’ courage in the face of persecution and to seek his intercession for spiritual and temporal needs.
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Local variations
- France — Blessed Virgin Mary of La Salette
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 36:39
Latin
Ps 36:39
Salus autem iustórum a Dómino: et protéctor eórum est in témpore tribulatiónis.
Ps 36:1
Noli æmulári in malignántibus: neque zeláveris faciéntes iniquitátem.
℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
℟. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.
Salus autem iustórum a Dómino: et protéctor eórum est in témpore tribulatiónis.
English
Ps 36:39
The salvation of the just is from the Lord; He is their refuge in time of distress.
Ps 36:1
Be not vexed over evildoers, nor jealous of those who do wrong.
℣. 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.
The salvation of the just is from the Lord; He is their refuge in time of distress.
Collect
Latin
Orémus.
Deus, qui nos ánnua sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Ianuárii et Sociórum eius sollemnitáte lætíficas: concéde propítius; ut, quorum gaudémus méritis, accendámur exémplis.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Deus, qui nos ánnua sanctórum Mártyrum tuórum Ianuárii et Sociórum eius sollemnitáte lætíficas: concéde propítius; ut, quorum gaudémus méritis, accendámur exémplis.
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 gladden us by the annual festival of Your Martyrs Januarius and companions, grant that we may be inspired by the example of those in whose merits we rejoice.
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 gladden us by the annual festival of Your Martyrs Januarius and companions, grant that we may be inspired by the example of those in whose merits we rejoice.
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.
LessonHebr 10:32-38
Latin
Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Hebrǽos
Hebr 10:32-38
Fratres: Rememorámini prístinos dies, in quibus illumináti magnum certámen sustinuístis passiónum: et in áltero quidem oppróbriis et tribulatiónibus spectáculum facti: in áltero autem sócii táliter conversántium effécti. Nam et vinctis compássi estis, et rapínam bonórum vestrórum cum gáudio suscepístis, cognoscéntes vos habere meliórem et manéntem substántiam. Nolíte itaque amíttere confidéntiam vestram, quæ magnam habet remuneratiónem. Patiéntia enim vobis necessária est: ut, voluntátem Dei faciéntes, reportétis promissiónem. Adhuc enim módicum aliquántulum, qui ventúrus est, véniet, et non tardábit. Iustus autem meus ex fide vivit.
℟. Deo grátias.
English
Lesson from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews
Heb 10:32-38
Brethren: Call to mind the days gone by, in which, after you had been enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings; partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by making common cause with those who fared thus. For you both have had compassion on those in prison and have joyfully accepted the plundering of your own goods, knowing that you have a better possession and a lasting one. Do not, therefore, lose your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of patience that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise: For yet a very little while, and He Who is to come, will come, and will not delay. Now My just one lives by faith.
℟. Thanks be to God.
GradualPs 33:18-19
Latin
Ps 33:18-19
Clamavérunt iusti, et Dóminus exaudívit eos: et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus eórum liberávit eos.
℣. Iuxta est Dóminus his, qui tribuláto sunt corde: et húmiles spíritu salvábit. Allelúia, allelúia.
℣. Te Mártyrum candidátus laudat exércitus, Dómine. Allelúia.
English
Ps 39:18-19
When the just cry out the Lord hears them, and from all their distress He rescues them.
℣. The Lord is close to those who are contrite of heart; and those who are humble of spirit He saves. Alleluia, alleluia.
℣. The white-robed army of Martyrs praises You, O Lord. Alleluia.
GospelMatt 24:3-13
Latin
Sequéntia + sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthǽum
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Matt 24:3-13
In illo témpore: Sedénte Iesu super montem Olivéti, accessérunt ad eum discípuli secréto, dicéntes: Dic nobis, quando hæc erunt? et quod signum advéntus tui et consummatiónis sǽculi? Et respóndens Iesus, dixit eis: Vidéte, ne quis vos sedúcat. Multi enim vénient in nómine meo, dicéntes: Ego sum Christus: et multos sedúcent. Auditúri enim estis prælia et opiniónes prœliórum. Vidéte, ne turbémini. Opórtet enim hæc fíeri, sed nondum est finis. Consúrget enim gens in gentem, et regnum in regnum, et erunt pestiléntiæ et fames et terræmótus per loca. Hæc autem ómnia inítia sunt dolórum. Tunc tradent vos in tribulatiónem et occídent vos: et éritis odio ómnibus géntibus propter nomen meum. Et tunc scandalizabúntur multi, et ínvicem tradent, et odio habébunt ínvicem. Et multi pseudoprophétæ surgent, et sedúcent multos. Et quóniam abundávit iníquitas, refrigéscet cáritas multórum. Qui autem perseveráverit usque in finem, hic salvus erit.
℟. Glória tibi, Dómine.
Matt 24:3-13
In illo témpore: Sedénte Iesu super montem Olivéti, accessérunt ad eum discípuli secréto, dicéntes: Dic nobis, quando hæc erunt? et quod signum advéntus tui et consummatiónis sǽculi? Et respóndens Iesus, dixit eis: Vidéte, ne quis vos sedúcat. Multi enim vénient in nómine meo, dicéntes: Ego sum Christus: et multos sedúcent. Auditúri enim estis prælia et opiniónes prœliórum. Vidéte, ne turbémini. Opórtet enim hæc fíeri, sed nondum est finis. Consúrget enim gens in gentem, et regnum in regnum, et erunt pestiléntiæ et fames et terræmótus per loca. Hæc autem ómnia inítia sunt dolórum. Tunc tradent vos in tribulatiónem et occídent vos: et éritis odio ómnibus géntibus propter nomen meum. Et tunc scandalizabúntur multi, et ínvicem tradent, et odio habébunt ínvicem. Et multi pseudoprophétæ surgent, et sedúcent multos. Et quóniam abundávit iníquitas, refrigéscet cáritas multórum. Qui autem perseveráverit usque in finem, hic salvus erit.
English
Continuation ✠ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 24:3-13
At that time, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when are these things to happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the world? And in answer Jesus said to them, Take care that no one leads you astray. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. For you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. Take care that you do not be alarmed, for these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are the beginnings of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and will put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away, and will betray one another, and will hate one another. And many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. And because iniquity will abound, the charity of the many will grow cold. But whoever perseveres to the end, he shall be saved.
℟. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Matt 24:3-13
At that time, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when are these things to happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the world? And in answer Jesus said to them, Take care that no one leads you astray. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. For you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. Take care that you do not be alarmed, for these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are the beginnings of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and will put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away, and will betray one another, and will hate one another. And many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. And because iniquity will abound, the charity of the many will grow cold. But whoever perseveres to the end, he shall be saved.
OffertorySap 3:1-3
Latin
Orémus.
Sap 3:1-3
Iustórum ánimæ in manu Dei sunt, et non tanget illos torméntum malítiæ: visi sunt óculis insipiéntium mori: illi autem sunt in pace, allelúia.
Sap 3:1-3
Iustórum ánimæ in manu Dei sunt, et non tanget illos torméntum malítiæ: visi sunt óculis insipiéntium mori: illi autem sunt in pace, allelúia.
English
Let us pray.
Wis 3:1-3
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead: but they are in peace, alleluia.
Wis 3:1-3
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead: but they are in peace, alleluia.
Secret
Latin
Oblátis, quǽsumus, Dómine, placáre munéribus: et, intercedéntibus sanctis Martýribus tuis Ianuário et Sóciis eius, a cunctis nos defénde perículis.
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.
English
Be appeased by the gifts we offer You, O Lord, and through the intercession of Your holy Martyrs Januarius and companions, safeguard us from all dangers.
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.
CommunionMatt 10:27
Latin
Matt 10:27
Quod dico vobis in ténebris, dícite in lúmine, dicit Dóminus: et quod in aure audítis, prædicáte super tecta.
English
Matt 10:27
What I tell you in darkness, speak it in the light, says the Lord; and what you hear whispered, preach it on the housetops.
Post Communion
Latin
Orémus.
Hæc nos commúnio, Dómine, purget a crímine: et, intercedéntibus sanctis Martýribus tuis Ianuário et Sóciis eius, coeléstis remédii fáciat esse consórtes.
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, intercedéntibus sanctis Martýribus tuis Ianuário et Sóciis eius, coeléstis remédii fáciat esse consórtes.
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 of sin, and, through the intercession of Your holy Martyrs Januarius and companions, make us sharers of heavenly 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.
May this Communion, O Lord, cleanse us of sin, and, through the intercession of Your holy Martyrs Januarius and companions, make us sharers of heavenly 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.
Vetus Ordo texts: Divinum Officium