Understanding "Feria V infra Hebdomadam IV post Epiphaniam I. Novembris"
Let's break down this Latin phrase from the traditional liturgical calendar to understand its meaning:
1. Feria V
- "Feria" refers to a weekday in the liturgical calendar. The days are numbered starting from Feria II (Monday) through Feria VI (Friday), with Feria VII or Sabbato for Saturday, and Dominica for Sunday.
- "Feria V" means Thursday.
2. Infra Hebdomadam IV post Epiphaniam
- "Infra" means "within" or "during".
- "Hebdomadam" means "week".
- "IV" is the Roman numeral for 4.
- "Post Epiphaniam" translates to "after Epiphany".
- So, "infra Hebdomadam IV post Epiphaniam" means "during the Fourth Week after Epiphany".
3. I. Novembris
- "I." is the Roman numeral for 1.
- "Novembris" means "November".
- Therefore, "I. Novembris" is November 1st.
Putting it All Together
The phrase refers to Thursday, November 1st, during the Fourth Week after Epiphany.
Understanding the Liturgical Context
In the traditional Latin liturgical calendar (used before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council), the sequence of Sundays and weeks after Epiphany and after Pentecost can shift based on the date of Easter, which changes every year. Here's how it works:
- Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th.
- The period after Epiphany continues until Septuagesima, which is the ninth Sunday before Easter, marking the pre-Lenten season.
- If there are not enough weeks between Epiphany and the start of Lent to include all the designated Sundays after Epiphany, the "extra" Sundays are moved to the end of the liturgical year, after the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost.
- Therefore, the Fourth Week after Epiphany can occur much later in the year, sometimes in late October or early November.
Significance of November 1st
November 1st is the Solemnity of All Saints, also known as All Saints' Day, a major feast in the Catholic Church:
- It is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning Catholics are required to attend Mass.
- The day honors all saints, known and unknown, celebrating their lives and contributions to the faith.
- The liturgical celebrations and readings for All Saints' Day take precedence over the regular weekday liturgy.
Conclusion
While the liturgical notation indicates Thursday, within the Fourth Week after Epiphany, on November 1st, the actual liturgical celebration on November 1st is the Solemnity of All Saints. This major feast supersedes the ordinary weekday observances.
Additional Context
Understanding the traditional liturgical calendar can be intricate due to:
- Movable Feasts: Dates like Easter and Pentecost change yearly, affecting the sequence of Sundays and weeks.
- Transposition of Weeks: Weeks after Epiphany not used before Lent are inserted after Pentecost.
- Fixed Feasts: Certain dates, like All Saints' Day on November 1st, remain constant annually.
