Little Office of the BVM

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Windmill

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Hi all,

I just wanted to share a gem I have found. It’s the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary put out by Baronius Press according to the Divine Office of 1962. Since the Pope freed up the old Breviary with his motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, this is an acceptable office to pray (for those enrolled in the Brown Scapular). It’s perfect for those who do not feel called to recite the entire Divine Office, but want something sacred and structured.

The Elizabethan English, the Gregorian chant, and the Latin are beautiful in this leatherbound version. The ICEL version put out by Catholic Book Publishing Co. really pales in comparison. you pay a little more, but the Baronius Press version is hierloom quality.

I make nothing off of this…I just thought I’d share.

Has anyone else purchased this? What has been their experience?
 
I have this…but I’m thinking mine is different.

I only paid around 16.00 for mine.

Anyway…I kind of get confused with it, it has Daily M - Fr and then it has morning, evening offerings in the back…I’m off to look at it again.

Okay…I re-read your post, duh, I have the other edition. sorry.
 
Windmill said:
The Elizabethan English, the Gregorian chant, and the Latin are beautiful in this leatherbound version. The ICEL version put out by Catholic Book Publishing Co. really pales in comparison. you pay a little more, but the Baronius Press version is hierloom quality.

I make nothing off of this…I just thought I’d share.

Has anyone else purchased this? What has been their experience?
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I am not sure what you mean by the “ICEL” version. :confused:

I have an edition copyright 1988, John E. Rotelle as editor. I use it and enjoy it.👍

I might add that, as a newcomer to the Church, I am not one of those Traditionalists who think everything published before Vatican II must, in some way, be superior to anything published after Vatican II. :rolleyes:

So perhaps you might give more details as to why any of us (including me) should buy a copy. 🤷
 
Andruschak,

You’re right in stating that everything published before the Council is not always better than what came after the Council. I tend to have an aversion to books that have gone through the ICEL filter (International Committee on English in the Liturgy). Many people here (not just tradtional Catholics) feel the same. This is, in fact, why we are having the Mass *re-*translated - the job done before was inadequate and un-inspiring.

As far as the texts themselves, it’s easier to let you peruse them and see how different they can be. Here are two links to websites that offer the Little Office texts. Check out various different offices. You will not be surprised to see gender-neutral language here and there in the new version, etc… I would encourage you to scroll through a few pages and compare.

Little Office (1962)

Little Office (1988)

As far as binding, the older office version is leatherbound and has thick cardstock.

Also, the older version has the Latin original (if you want to eventually pray in Latin after memorizing the daily prayers of the Little Office). It even has the Gregorian chant notation to chant the antiphons and orations (a first for any version fo the Little Office). The Elizabethan English gives the prayers a certain sacrality as this form of English is not used in everyday conversation (much like the Greeks, Jews, and Russians do with their liturgies).

Here is a sample page of the actual 1962 version.

It’s not for everyone, but it is a nice version that I have found very nourishing. Others may not, but that’s okay. That’s what’s great about our Faith…many different modes of prayer to fit each soul’s temperment.

BTW, there’s nothing wrong with being a Traditionalist 😃
 
Windmill said:
It’s perfect for those who do not feel called to recite the entire Divine Office
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I know you probably mean something different and just weren’t careful with your wording, but just in case someone reads this and gets the wrong idea, we are ALL, every person who is a member of the Body of Christ in Holy Mother Church who submits to the authority of the Magisterium, is called to recite at least a part of the Divine Office! It’s a discernment quesiton, whether we feel called or not.

Paragraph 27 addresses non-clergy religious in the GILOH:
Lay groups gathering for prayer, apostolic work, or any other reason are encouraged to fulfill the Church’s duty, [103] by celebrating part of the liturgy of the hours. The laity must learn above all how in the liturgy they are adoring God the Father in spirit and in truth; [104] they should bear in mind that through public worship and prayer they reach all humanity and can contribute significantly to the salvation of the whole world. [105] Finally, it is of great advantage for the family, the domestic sanctuary of the Church, not only to pray together to God but also to celebrate some parts of the liturgy of the hours as occasion offers, in order to enter more deeply into the life of the Church. [106]
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ewtn.com/library/curia/cdwgilh.htm
 
Windmill said:
It’s not for everyone, but it is a nice version that I have found very nourishing. Others may not, but that’s okay. That’s what’s great about our Faith…many different modes of prayer to fit each soul’s temperment.

BTW, there’s nothing wrong with being a Traditionalist 😃
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But would I want my Sister to marry one?😃 (Actually, she married a Marine:thumbsup: )

I may order that book out of curiousity
 
My copy of the Little Office of Our Lady is only 4.5" x 7" (3/4"thick) and I keep it in my handbag for if I am out and about and since I dont have a vehicle and travel by bus it comes in very handy. (1988 Catholic Book Publishing Company, New York. Compiled and Edited by John E Rotelle, OSA)…
 
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