The
proper (
Latin:
proprium) is a part of the
Christian liturgy that varies according to the date, either representing an observance within the
liturgical year, or of a particular
saint or significant event. The term is used in contrast to the
ordinary, which is that part of the liturgy that is reasonably constant, or at least selected without regard to date, or to the
common, which contains those parts of the liturgy that are common to an entire category of saints, such as
apostles or
martyrs.