If you’re new to the Traditional Latin Mass (sometimes called the Tridentine Mass), or even if you’ve been attending your whole life, you may find yourself asking the question “What are the readings for today?”. This application was designed to answer exactly that! Upon loading the page, the readings for the current day of the liturgical year are automatically loaded.
Unless otherwise noted, all translations are from the 1962 Roman Missal and are shown in both English and Latin. The liturgical season, classification, and color for each Mass are also displayed at the top.
By default, the app shows the readings for the closest Mass to the current date. To view the readings for the day of your choice (like, an upcoming feast day), simply select the desired date using the calendar button. Additionally, the left and right arrow buttons can be used to skip forward and backward a weekday or Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the readings sometimes different from the specified readings for the day?
On feast days of the second (semi-double) and third (simple) classifications, priests have the option to pray what is called a Votive Mass or Requiem Mass instead of the Mass for the day. Although most common on Feria’s, Votive Masses are somewhat unpredictable. However, most priests will make an announcement either before Mass or in the bulletin when they are choosing to offer a Votive Mass.
Are the Latin Mass readings different from the Novus Ordo mass?
Yes. Besides the readings being in the Latin language, the Latin Mass uses the traditional Roman Rite liturgical calendar, which has a 1-year cycle of selected readings. The Novus Ordo uses the reformed calendar, which has a 3-year cycle of readings.
Are the readings sometimes in English?
Most of the time, before giving a sermon, the priest will read the Epistle and Gospel in English (or the local language) for the sake of the laity. This practice is very common at High Masses but is less common at Low Masses.
Why is the first chapter of the Gospel of John read at the end of every Latin Mass?
The early Christians attached great reverence to this portion of the Gospel because it contains a summary of all the benefits that Christians can receive through Christ’s Holy Sacrifice. Thus, throughout the early centuries of the Church, it was a common private practice for priests to read John 1:1-14 directly after Mass. Eventually, in 1570, Pope Pius V made this practice universal for the Roman Rite and it is now known as the Last Gospel.
Why is the “Secret” called the “Secret”?
The Secret of the Mass is named this way because the priest prays it quietly to himself while the choir sings the Offertory. The Secret is not prefaced by “Oremus”, like the Collect, for example, which includes the invitation of the priest for the people to pray with him.
I sincerely hope this helps you! If you have any ideas for improvements or notice any inconsistencies in the data, please reach out to me: contact@thomasknapp.com.
Looking to embed this application on your parish website? Send me an email (above), and I’ll gladly help you get it set up!
If you’re new to the Latin Mass, welcome! There certainly many differences compared to the Novus Ordo/Ordinary Form, but don’t let them intimidate you. Here are some great resources that answer many of the questions that newcomers might have.
- Frequently asked questions / helpful tips for newcomers: Lift Up Your Hearts: 10 Tips for Newcomers to the Latin Mass