The hour of Lauds derives its name from the Latin verb “laudare” (to praise). It is, as the Byzantine Catholic liturgical historian Fr. Robert Taft, SJ points out in his magisterial work The Liturgy of the Hours in East and West, one of the oldest traceable parts of the Office, developed very early on (going back at … Continue reading
One of the popular names of the Divine Office is the “opus Dei”—the “work of God” (not to be confused with the society of the same name). Oh, it’s “work” all right, as anyone who is committed to a structured prayer life governed by set constraints will discover in short order. There will be days when praying the … Continue reading
In my inaugural post yesterday, my goal was to provide a comprehensive surface-level introduction to the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to share some thoughts on why I love this unique and venerable form of the Divine Office, and why you might want to consider giving it a try. Today, I just want … Continue reading
“Then the creator of all things commanded, and said to me: and he that made me, rested in my tabernacle, And he said to me: Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thy inheritance in Israel, and take root in my elect.” -Ecclesiasticus 24:12-13 (from Reading 1, Matins of the Little Office of the Blessed … Continue reading
