Próximaspropers

Próximaspropers is a neologistic term used in some liturgical planning circles to describe a framework, dataset, or published resource that gathers the propers—texts that vary according to the feast or season—scheduled for upcoming dates. The name blends the Spanish word próximas, meaning upcoming, with the liturgical term propers, signaling a forward-looking collection of texts.

In liturgical usage, propers include elements such as the Introit, Gradual or Alleluia/Tract, Offertory, and Communion, as well as Collects, depending on the rite. They differ from the Ordinary of the Mass or Divine Service, which remains relatively constant. Próximaspropers, therefore, is concerned with organizing the variable portions of the liturgy for future days, aiding planners, choirs, clergy, and software in anticipating what will be sung or recited.

Practically, próximaspropers may take several forms. It can be a theoretical concept used by scholars to analyze how future propers are scheduled and used. It can also be a digital resource—a database, repository, or API—that stores upcoming propers with metadata such as feast designation, calendar date, language, and rubrical notes. As a community project, it may publish ready-to-use texts or links to official sources, facilitating planning and study across communities that observe different liturgical calendars.

Note that próximaspropers is not an established standard across all rites; practices vary, and translations or organal settings of propers differ widely. It remains a term in development within discussions of liturgical planning and digital curation.