To Our Esteemed Nuntiatoria Readers,
As we celebrate the joyous mystery of the Word made flesh, we wish you a blessed and holy Christmas filled with the peace and light of Christ. Your faithful readership and support throughout the year have been a source of encouragement and strength for our mission of sharing the timeless truths of the Faith.
As we prepare to welcome a new year, we invite you to continue this journey with us, deepening your knowledge, fortifying your faith, and drawing ever closer to the heart of Our Lord. Your engagement with the Nuntiatoria strengthens our shared commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and preserving the rich traditions of the Church.
This marks our final edition until the great feast of Epiphany. May this sacred season be one of profound grace for you and your loved ones. Together, let us carry forward the light of Christ into the coming year.
With prayers and blessings,
The Nuntiatoria Team
From the Primus
Carissimi
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
As we celebrate the sublime mystery of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, I write to you in the spirit of profound reverence and holy urgency. The birth of the Saviour—the Incarnate Word—is an event that not only divides history but unites Heaven and earth. In these times of great trial and confusion, the light of Bethlehem shines with even greater clarity, calling us back to the immutable truths of our Holy Faith.
The Incarnation: God’s Triumph Over Darkness
The Holy Infant, born in a humble manger, is the eternal response to the rebellion of sin and the darkness of a fallen world. He comes not in power and majesty, but in meekness and purity, to teach us that the Kingdom of God is built not upon the principles of this world but upon the eternal decrees of the Almighty. His birth is the culmination of divine love—a love that seeks to redeem and restore, even when humanity has turned away.
In our era, marked by confusion and rebellion, the Incarnation offers the clearest possible contrast. As modern society glorifies pride, rebellion, and falsehood, Christ’s birth in poverty and humility reveals the path to true greatness. The manger in Bethlehem calls us to reject the false promises of the world and to embrace the eternal truths of our faith.
The events of the past year have underscored the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged. Whether it is in the defence of life against the growing acceptance of euthanasia, or in protecting the innocence of children from harmful ideologies, we are reminded that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness. The birth of Christ is our assurance that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
A Year of Mission and Witness
This year, by the grace of God, I have had the privilege of visiting many communities across the globe. From the fervent devotion of the faithful in the Philippines to the ancient traditions preserved in Greece, from the prayerful gatherings in the Czech Republic to the vibrant witness of traditional Catholics in the United States, these journeys—spanning over 42,900 miles—have been a source of inspiration and renewal.
In the Philippines, the faith of the people shines brightly despite material hardships. Their love for Christ and His Church is evident in their worship and their daily lives. In Greece, the land of saints and martyrs, I witnessed the enduring power of tradition to anchor the faithful amidst the storms of modernity. Each visit reminded me of the universality of the Catholic Faith and the strength that comes from our shared commitment to the Gospel.
The Nuntiatoria publications have also played a crucial role this year. These newsletters have provided theological insights, addressed the pressing moral issues of our time, and shared updates on the Apostolate’s mission. They are a reminder that the work of proclaiming the Gospel is not limited to the pulpit but extends to every means of communication. Through these efforts, we have strengthened the bonds of faith and provided clarity amidst the confusion of our age.
Christmas: A Time for Conversion and Hope
The birth of Christ is not merely an event to be remembered but a call to action. Just as the shepherds left their flocks to adore the new-born King, we too must leave behind all that hinders us from embracing the fullness of God’s will. This Christmas, I urge you to make a heartfelt examination of conscience and approach the Sacrament of Confession with humility. Do not delay, for God’s mercy is infinite, and He waits to welcome you back into His grace.
This holy season is also a time of profound hope. The trials and challenges we face—whether in our personal lives, in our communities, or on a global scale—are not the end of the story. The Child of Bethlehem is the Prince of Peace, and His reign will have no end. Trust in His promises, and let His light guide you through the darkness.
A Call to Resist and Rebuild
In these perilous times, we are called not only to resist the encroachments of the enemy but to actively rebuild the Church upon the foundation of Christ. This requires unwavering fidelity to Sacred Tradition, a rejection of compromise with error, and a willingness to suffer for the truth. The attacks against the Church today come not only from external forces but also from within. We must be vigilant against the spirit of the world that seeks to dilute and distort the Faith.
To resist is not enough; we must also rebuild. Families, as the domestic Church, must become strongholds of faith and virtue. Fathers and mothers must teach their children the truths of the Faith and shield them from the corrupting influences of modern society. Prayer, particularly the Holy Rosary, must become central to our lives, as Our Lady has given it to us as a powerful weapon against evil.
Let us also work to restore reverence and beauty in our worship. The liturgy is the highest expression of our Faith, and through it, we encounter the living God. By restoring the sacredness of our worship, we restore the soul of the Church.
A Blessing for the New Year
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let us move forward with courage and hope. The challenges before us are great, but our God is greater. May the light of Christ illumine your paths, and may His grace sustain you in every trial. Let us take inspiration from the Holy Family, whose trust in God’s providence enabled them to endure hardships and fulfill their mission.
The new year is an opportunity for renewal—a time to deepen our commitment to the Faith, to strengthen our families, and to rededicate ourselves to the mission of the Church. Let us work together to restore all things in Christ, trusting that He who began this good work in us will bring it to completion.
With my paternal blessing and prayers for you and your families, I remain,
Yours, always in Christ
Christmas Ordo
Sunday, December 22 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dominica IV Adventus ~ Semiduplex Dominica II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: Violet
- Mass: “Roráte Cæli”
- Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
- Gospel: St Luke 3:1-6
- Preface: Preface of the Trinity
- Commemorations:
- de S. Maria Adventus
- Contra persecutores
- Special Notes: Final Sunday of Advent; focus on preparing spiritually for the Nativity.
Missalette: Sunday Advent IV
Monday, December 23 – Greater Feria of Advent
Feria II infra Hebdomadam IV Adventus ~ Feria major
- Liturgical Colour: Violet
- Mass: “Roráte Cæli”
- Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
- Gospel: St Luke 3:1-6
- Preface: Preface of the Common
- Commemorations:
- de S. Maria Adventus
- Contra persecutores
- Special Notes: The “O Antiphons” final; anticipate the Nativity of Our Lord.
Tuesday, December 24 – Vigil of the Nativity
In Vigilia Nativitatis Domini ~ Duplex I. classis
- Liturgical Colour: Violet
- Mass: “Hodie scietis” (Vigil Mass of the Nativity)
- Epistle: Romans 1:1-6
- Gospel: St Matthew 1:18-21
- Preface: Preface of the Common
- Commemorations: None
- Special Notes: Fasting and abstinence observed; Mass is traditionally offered late afternoon; anticipation of the joy of Christmas.
Wednesday, December 25 – Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas)
In Nativitate Domini ~ Duplex I. classis
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Midnight Mass: Missa in Nócte “Dóminus dixit” Mass of the Angels
- Epistle: Titus 2:11-15
- Gospel: St Luke 2:1-14
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: None
- Proper Last Gospel: St John 1:1-14
- Dawn Mass: Missa in Auríra “Lux fulgébit” – Mass of the Shepherds
- Epistle: Titus 3:4-7
- Gospel: St Luke 2:15-20
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: For St. Anastasia
- Proper Last Gospel: St John 1:1-14
- Day Mass: Missa in Dié “Puer natus” Mass of the King
- Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12
- Gospel: St John 1:1-14
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: None
- Proper Last Gospel: St Matthew 2:1-12
- Special Notes: Holy Day of Obligation; three distinct Masses celebrate the mystery of Christ’s birth. The commemoration of St. Anastasia is made at the Second Mass.
Missalette: First Mass of Christmas Day
Missalette: Second Mass of Christmas Day
Missalette: Third Mass of Christmas Day
Thursday, December 26 – St. Stephen, First Martyr
S. Stephani Protomartyris ~ Duplex II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Mass: “Sedérunt príncipes”
- Epistle: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
- Gospel: St Matthew 23:34-39
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations: Octave of the Nativity
- Special Notes: First of the Comites Christi (Companions of Christ).
Missalette: St Stephen Protomartyr
Friday, December 27 – St. John the Apostle and Evangelist
S. Johanni Apostoli ~ Duplex II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “In Medio Ecclesiæ”
- Epistle: 1 John 1:1-4
- Gospel: St John 21:19-24
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the Nativity
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- Special Notes: Second of the Comites Christi.
Missalette: St John the Apostle
Saturday, December 28 – Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Ss. Innocentium ~ Duplex II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: Violet
- Mass: “Ex Ore Infántium”
- Epistle: 1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-2
- Gospel: St Matthew 2:13-18
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the Nativity
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- Special Notes: Third of the Comites Christi; focus on the innocent victims of Herod’s cruelty.
Missalette: Holy Innocents
Sunday, December 29 – Sunday in the Octave of Christmas & Feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury
Dominica Infra Octavam Nativitatis ~ Semiduplex Dominica minor
- SUNDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass Sunday in the Octave: “Dum Médium Silentium”
- Epistle: Galatians 4:1-7
- Gospel: St Luke 2:33-40
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the the Nativity
- St Thomas of Canterbury
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
S. Thomæ Cantuariensis Episcopi et Martyris ~ Duplex
- Mass St. Thomas of Canterbury: “Statuit Ei Dominus”
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Epistle: Hebrews 5:1-6
- Gospel: St John 10:11-16
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the the Nativity
- For Sunday in the Octave of the Nativity
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
- Proper Last Gospel: St Luke 2:33-40 (Sunday in the Octave of the Nativity)
- Special Notes: St. Thomas Becket, Martyr and Archbishop of Canterbury, is celebrated in the UK and Churches/Chapels dedicated under his patronage. Both celebrations may be observed; consult local Ordo.
Missalette: Sunday in the Octave of the Nativity
Missalette: St Thomas of Canterbury
Monday, December 30 – Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
- Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “Puer natus”
- Epistle: Titus 3:4-7
- Gospel: St Luke 2:15-20
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the the Nativity
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
- Special Notes: A day for quiet reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation.
Tuesday, December 31 – St. Sylvester I, Pope
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “Sacerdótes Tui”
- Epistle: 1 Peter 5:1-4, 10-11
- Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of the Nativity
- For the Octave of St Stephen
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
- Special Notes: Pope St. Sylvester I is commemorated for his role in the early Church and the Council of Nicaea.
Wednesday, January 1 – The Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ
In Circumcisione Domini ~ Duplex II. classis
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “Puer natus”
- Epistle: Galatians 4:1-7
- Gospel: Luke 2:21
- Preface: Preface & Communicantes of the Nativity
- Special Notes: Holy Day of Obligation; commemorates the circumcision and naming of Jesus.
Missalette: The Circumcision of Our Lord
Thursday, January 2 – The Octave Day of St Stephen Protomartyr
In Octava Sancti Stephani Protomartyris ~ Duplex
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Mass: “Sedérunt príncipes”
- Epistle: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
- Gospel: St Matthew 23:34-39
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of St John
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
Friday, January 3 – The Octave Day of St John the Evangelist
In Octava S. Joannis Apostoli et Evangelistæ ~ Duplex
- Liturgical Colour: White
- Mass: “In médio Ecclésiæ”
- Epistle: Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6
- Gospel: St John 21:19-24
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations:
- For the Octave of Holy Innocents
Saturday, January 4 – The Octave Day of Holy Innocents
In Octava Ss. Innocentium ~ Duplex
- Liturgical Colour: Red
- Mass: “Ex ore infántium”
- Epistle: Revelation 14:1-5
- Gospel: St Matthew 2:13-18
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations: None
- Special Notes: today the Holy Innocents are remembered as martyrs.
Sunday, January 5 – Vigil of the Epiphany
In Vigilia Epiphaniæ ~ Semiduplex
- Liturgical Color: White
- Mass: “Dum Médium Silentium” (from the Octave of the Nativity)
- Epistle: Galations 4:1-7
- Gospel: St Matthew 2:19-23
- Preface: Preface of the Nativity
- Commemorations: de Sancta Maria
- Special Notes:
- This is the Twelfth day since the Birth of our Emmanuel. If the Vigil of the Epiphany fall on a Sunday, it shares, with Christmas Eve, the privilege of not being anticipated, as all other Vigils are, on the Saturday: it is kept on the Sunday, has all the privileges of a Sunday, and the Mass is that of the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas Day. Let us, therefore, celebrate this Vigil in great joy of heart, and prepare our souls for tomorrow’s graces.
- Epiphany Water: is blessed after Compline or after Mattins. This blessing comes from the Orient, where the Church has long emphasized in her celebration of Epiphany the mystery of our Lord’s baptism, and by analogy our baptism. This aspect is not neglected in western Christendom, although in practice we have concentrated on the visit of the Magi. Many years before the Latin Rite officially adopted the blessing of Epiphany water, diocesan rituals, notably in lower Italy, had contained such a blessing.
