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How are the Proper of Time and the Proper of Saints different in the Christian church year?

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Church year A church altar decorated with saint icons for All Saints' Day.

The Christian church year is composed of two concurrent cycles that structure the liturgical calendar: the Proper of Time and the Proper of Saints.1

The Proper of Time (Temporale)

The Proper of Time consists of the seasons, Sundays, and holy days that revolve around the two major anchors of the Christian year: the movable date of Easter and the fixed date of Christmas. This cycle serves as an epitome of the history of salvation in Christ, with every season and holy day celebrating the total revelation and redemption of Christ.1

The Proper of Saints (Sanctorale)

The Proper of Saints consists of commemorations of saints and other "heroes of the faith" on fixed dates throughout the year. These celebrations are considered an extension of the devotion paid to Christ, as saints are commemorated for the virtues in their lives and deaths that derive from his grace and holiness.12

While the Proper of Time focuses on the life and work of Christ, the Proper of Saints proclaims the paschal mystery as it has been achieved in those who have suffered and been glorified with him.1