SATURDAY BEFORE SEPTUAGESIMA – SUSPENSION OF THE ‘ALLELUIA’
The Season of Septuagesima in the Traditional Catholic Liturgical Year
The Season of Septuagesima is one of the most profound yet least understood seasons of the Traditional Catholic liturgical year. Serving as the Church’s ancient preparation for Lent, Septuagesima gradually leads the faithful from the joyful celebrations of Christmastide into the spirit of penance, conversion, and spiritual renewal that culminates in the great mystery of Easter. Although omitted from the modern liturgical calendar, Septuagesima remains an integral part of the Traditional Roman Rite and a treasured element of the Church’s spiritual heritage.
The season consists of three Sundays—Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima—each drawing the Christian soul closer to the discipline of Lent. During these weeks the Church sets aside the joyful Alleluia, clothes the altar and clergy in violet vestments, and gradually directs the faithful toward deeper prayer, repentance, and preparation for the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Rather than entering Lent abruptly, the Church wisely provides this period of transition so that hearts may be properly disposed for fasting, almsgiving, and conversion.
Throughout Septuagesima, Sacred Scripture presents powerful lessons concerning sin, grace, perseverance, and salvation. The parables of the laborers in the vineyard, the sower of the seed, and the healing of the blind man reveal God’s mercy while reminding Christians of the urgency of conversion and the necessity of cooperating with divine grace. The Church also recalls mankind’s exile from Eden, emphasizing that our earthly life is a pilgrimage toward our heavenly homeland.
In The Liturgical Year, Dom Prosper Guéranger unfolds the remarkable beauty of Septuagesima through Sacred Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, the ancient Roman liturgy, and centuries of Catholic tradition. His reflections explain why this forgotten season plays such an important role in forming the Christian soul. By gradually introducing the themes of penance, humility, and vigilance, Septuagesima prepares the faithful to enter Lent with greater devotion and spiritual fruitfulness.
Whether you attend the Traditional Latin Mass, pray the Divine Office, or seek to recover the forgotten treasures of the Church’s liturgical heritage, the Season of Septuagesima offers an invaluable opportunity to renew your spiritual life, detach from worldly distractions, and prepare your heart for the Passion, Death, and glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Septuagesima at a Glance
The Season of Septuagesima serves as the Church’s ancient preparation for Lent. Through three Sundays of spiritual instruction, the faithful gradually enter a spirit of repentance, humility, and renewed commitment to Christ before the beginning of the Lenten fast.
Highlights of Septuagesima
- Beginning of Pre-Lent
- Septuagesima Sunday
- Sexagesima Sunday
- Quinquagesima Sunday
- Preparation for Ash Wednesday
- Preparation for Lent
- Omission of the Alleluia
- Violet Vestments
- Gloria omitted on Sundays
- Call to Prayer, Penance, and Conversion
- Memento Mori
- Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard
- Parable of the Sower
- Healing of the Blind Man
- Adam and Eve’s Exile from Eden
- Daily reflections from Dom Prosper Guéranger
- Traditional Roman Calendar
- Related sermons and videos from Sensus Fidelium
Each reflection prepares readers to embrace the discipline of Lent with renewed fervor. Dom Prosper Guéranger’s timeless commentary reveals the wisdom of the Church in gradually leading the faithful from ordinary time into the great penitential season through prayer, sacrifice, and conversion.
CHAPTER I – The History of Septuagesima
CHAPTER II – The Mystery of Septuagesima
CHAPTER III. – Practice during Septuagesima
CHAPTER IV. – Morning and Night Prayers for Septuagesima
CHAPTER V. – On hearing Mass, during the Season of Septuagesima
CHAPTER VI. – On Holy Communion, during Septuagesima
CHAPTER VII. – On the Office of Vespers for Sundays and Feasts, during Septuagesima
CHAPTER VIII. – On the Office of Compline, during Septuagesima
Septuagesima Sunday
Monday of Septuagesima Week
Tuesday of Septuagesima Week
Wednesday of Septuagesima Week
Thursday of Septuagesima Week
Friday of Septuagesima Week
Saturday of Septuagesima Week
Sexagesima Sunday
Monday of Sexagesima Week
Tuesday of Sexagesima Week
Wednesday of Sexagesima Week
Thursday of Sexagesima Week
Friday of Sexagesima Week
Saturday of Sexagesima Week
Quinquagesima Sunday
Monday of Quinquagesima Week
Tuesday of Quinquagesima Week
Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
CONCLUDING PRAYER FOR THE SEASON
The Seven Penitential Psalms
Sunday – Psalm 6
Monday – Psalm 31
Tuesday – Psalm 37
Wednesday – Psalm 50
Thursday – Psalm 101
Friday – Psalm 129
Saturday – Psalm 142
The Devotions for the Forty Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Septuagesima?
Septuagesima is the ancient pre-Lenten season of the Traditional Roman Rite. It consists of the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday—Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima—which gradually prepare the faithful for Lent through prayer, penance, and spiritual reflection.
Why was Septuagesima observed before Lent?
The Church established Septuagesima to provide a gradual transition into the Lenten season. By introducing penitential themes before Ash Wednesday, the faithful are better prepared to undertake the disciplines of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.
Why is the Alleluia omitted?
Beginning with First Vespers of Septuagesima Sunday, the joyful Alleluia is no longer used in the liturgy until the Easter Vigil. This ancient custom symbolizes the Church’s entrance into a more penitential season and reminds the faithful of mankind’s exile from Paradise.
What is the difference between Septuagesima and Lent?
Septuagesima is a season of preparation for Lent rather than Lent itself. While fasting is not yet universally prescribed, the liturgy begins emphasizing repentance, humility, mortality, and the need for conversion in anticipation of the forty-day fast.
What does Dom Prosper Guéranger teach about Septuagesima?
Dom Guéranger explains that Septuagesima is one of the Church’s most beautiful preparations for Easter. His reflections reveal how the liturgy gradually detaches the Christian from worldly concerns while leading the soul toward deeper repentance, greater charity, and a more fruitful observance of Lent.
Is this collection based on the Traditional Roman Calendar?
Yes. These reflections follow the Traditional Roman Rite and complement the Traditional Latin Mass, preserving the timeless liturgical traditions, prayers, and spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church.