Night prayer?

[CountrySteve]

is there a list for the liturgy of the hours night prayer antiphons for the Blessed Virgin MarY? which ones can i use? God bless

 

[Gertabelle]

I’m not sure this is what you want, but these were the Marian antiphons (hymns/prayers) we used when I was in the monastery:

Advent through end of Christmas time: “Alma Redemptoris Mater”

Ordinary Time: “Salve Regina”

Lent: “Ave Regina Caelorum”

Easter Season (through Pentecost): “Regina Caeli”

Forgive me, it’s too late for me to look up the English translations right now. But I do hope that’s what you needed.

Gertie

 

[Joannm]

is there a list for the liturgy of the hours night prayer antiphons for the Blessed Virgin MarY? which ones can i use? God bless

These should be in the book. Or do you not have the LOTH book and are just looking for the antiphons? The ones Gertabelle listed are included (in Latin and English) as is the Hail Mary. In English: Hail Holy Queen, Loving Mother of the Redeemer, Queen of Heaven, Hail Mary. I always chant the Salve Regina in Latin at Night Prayer.

 

[CountrySteve]

i should have worded my question better i was tired when i posted it. the book says other antiphons approved by the conferance of bishops can be used, and i was wondering what might these be, cause the DivineOffice site uses such beautiful prayers for these that aint in my book, God bless

 

[EricFilmer]

is there a list for the liturgy of the hours night prayer antiphons for the Blessed Virgin MarY? which ones can i use? God bless

i should have worded my question better i was tired when i posted it. the book says other antiphons approved by the conferance of bishops can be used, and i was wondering what might these be, cause the DivineOffice site uses such beautiful prayers for these that aint in my book, God bless

First of all, let me provide a little background before addressing your question (and also clarify to others reading this thread as to what you are referring to). Night Prayer traditionally ends with either a short Marian hymn or a Marian prayer, which are collectively referred to here as “antiphons”. The most popular English and Latin Marian antiphons (which are customarily associated with Night Prayer) are listed in the Divine Office breviaries.

The rule you cited (found at the end of the Divine Office’s section on Night Prayer, such as page 1056 of Christian Prayer and LOTH, Vol. 4, page 1252) states, “Then one of the antiphons in honor of Mary is said. Other hymns approved by the conference of bishops may be used.”

Notice that the term “conference of bishops” is lower case (as opposed to saying, say, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). The reason is because the LOTH you are using is approved for use by clergy and religious in a variety of English-speaking dioceses throughout the world (including the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Uganda, etc). The rubric in question simply recognizes that the conference of bishops in each of the regions has the right and authority to add additional Marian antiphons to what is printed in the LOTH. It doesn’t mean that any of these conferences has actually done this, only that they can.

Moreover, the rubrics of the Divine Office presume that the reader is either a priest, deacon or religious, and therefore is supposed to pray it in the manner prescribed by the Vatican in accordance with Church documents, tradition, etc. Such people shouldn’t make unapproved substitutions on their own, because they have taken vows to pray the Divine Office each day in accordance with a set of offices provided by a proper ecclesiastical authority.

A lot of Divine Office apps, however, are designed with an expectation that many laypeople will use them. It seems that, for the sake of variety (I suppose), they like to replace the traditional hymns and Marian antiphons from the LOTH with more modern hymns. The Divine Office app, for example, ended yesterday’s Night Prayer with The Virgin’s Slumber Song. It is a very pretty song, but not in the LOTH. I’m guessing from your question that, based on the rubric you cited, you are presuming that such songs come from an alternative source promulgated by the USCCB. But, to my knowledge, the USCCB has never provided an official list of hymns to supplement what is in the LOTH. Therefore, I think that these apps simply make such substitutions on their own accord. It is possible that they got permission from the USCCB, but, if so, I have not seen that documented.

It could well be that, because these are private companies designing software for the general public, they don’t even need permission from a conference of bishops to begin with. They only need permission to duplicate the text of the LOTH, but they are free to put in whatever songs they wish (assuming, of course, that they obtain the legal rights to do so). And, of course, members of the laity should not feel compelled to adhere to all the various rubrics of the LOTH. Therefore, feel free to end your Night Prayer with whatever Marian hymns you like even if they do not stem from an official list provided by the USCCB.

 

[Gertabelle]

First of all, let me provide a little background before addressing your question (and also clarify to others reading this thread as to what you are referring to). Night Prayer traditionally ends with either a short Marian hymn or a Marian prayer, which are collectively referred to here as “antiphons”. The most popular English and Latin Marian antiphons (which are customarily associated with Night Prayer) are listed in the Divine Office breviaries.

The rule you cited (found at the end of the Divine Office’s section on Night Prayer, such as page 1056 of Christian Prayer and LOTH, Vol. 4, page 1252) states, “Then one of the antiphons in honor of Mary is said. Other hymns approved by the conference of bishops may be used.”

Notice that the term “conference of bishops” is lower case (as opposed to saying, say, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). The reason is because the LOTH you are using is approved for use by clergy and religious in a variety of English-speaking dioceses throughout the world (including teh U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Uganda, etc). The rubric in question simply recognizes that the conference of bishops in each of the regions has the right and authority to add additional Marian antiphons to what is printed in the LOTH. It doesn’t mean that any of these conferences has actually done this, only that they can.

Moreover, the rubrics of the Divine Office presume that the reader is either a priest, deacon or religious, and therefore is supposed to pray it in the manner prescribed by the Vatican in accordance with Church documents, tradition, etc.

A lot of Divine Office apps, however, are designed with an expectation that many laypeople will use them. It seems that, for the sake of variety (I suppose), they like to replace the traditional hymns and Marian antiphons from the LOTH with more modern hymns. The Divine Office app, for example, ended yesterday’s Night Prayer with The Virgin’s Slumber Song. It is a very pretty song, but not in the LOTH. I’m guessing from your question that, based on the rubric you cited, you are presuming that such songs come from an alternative source promulgated by the USCCB. But, to my knowledge, the USCCB has never provided an official list of hymns to supplement what is in the LOTH. Therefore, I think that these apps simply make such substitutions on their own accord. It is possible that they got permission from the USCCB, but, if so, I have not seen that documented.

It could well be that, because these are private companies designing software for the general public, they don’t even need permission from a conference of bishops to begin with. They only need permission to duplicate the text of the LOTH, but they are free to put in whatever songs they wish (assuming, of course, that they obtain the legal rights to do so). And, of course, members of the laity should not feel compelled to adhere to all the various rubrics of the LOTH. Therefore, feel free to end your Night Prayer with whatever Marian hymns you like even if they do not stem from an official list provided by the USCCB.

Thanks so much for the very thorough response!!

I’ve a hard time adjusting to praying the LOTH recently in the more generic way instead of how we did things in the monastery (some 25 years ago). Your explanations are very helpful.

Gertie

 

[EricFilmer]

Thanks so much for the very thorough response!!

I’ve a hard time adjusting to praying the LOTH recently in the more generic way instead of how we did things in the monastery (some 25 years ago). Your explanations are very helpful.

Gertie

You’re very welcome. As a side note, as a theology student a few years ago, I was taught how to pray the standard English LOTH by the Benedictine monks of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA. But when I occasionally joined them for Vespers they used their own breviaries (with much more extensive offices) and hymn selections. I’m sure this was probably your own experience, also.

 

[CountrySteve]

First of all, let me provide a little background before addressing your question (and also clarify to others reading this thread as to what you are referring to). Night Prayer traditionally ends with either a short Marian hymn or a Marian prayer, which are collectively referred to here as “antiphons”. The most popular English and Latin Marian antiphons (which are customarily associated with Night Prayer) are listed in the Divine Office breviaries.

The rule you cited (found at the end of the Divine Office’s section on Night Prayer, such as page 1056 of Christian Prayer and LOTH, Vol. 4, page 1252) states, “Then one of the antiphons in honor of Mary is said. Other hymns approved by the conference of bishops may be used.”

Notice that the term “conference of bishops” is lower case (as opposed to saying, say, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). The reason is because the LOTH you are using is approved for use by clergy and religious in a variety of English-speaking dioceses throughout the world (including the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Uganda, etc). The rubric in question simply recognizes that the conference of bishops in each of the regions has the right and authority to add additional Marian antiphons to what is printed in the LOTH. It doesn’t mean that any of these conferences has actually done this, only that they can.

Moreover, the rubrics of the Divine Office presume that the reader is either a priest, deacon or religious, and therefore is supposed to pray it in the manner prescribed by the Vatican in accordance with Church documents, tradition, etc. Such people shouldn’t make unapproved substitutions on their own, because they have taken vows to pray the Divine Office each day in accordance with a set of offices provided by a proper ecclesiastical authority.

A lot of Divine Office apps, however, are designed with an expectation that many laypeople will use them. It seems that, for the sake of variety (I suppose), they like to replace the traditional hymns and Marian antiphons from the LOTH with more modern hymns. The Divine Office app, for example, ended yesterday’s Night Prayer with The Virgin’s Slumber Song. It is a very pretty song, but not in the LOTH. I’m guessing from your question that, based on the rubric you cited, you are presuming that such songs come from an alternative source promulgated by the USCCB. But, to my knowledge, the USCCB has never provided an official list of hymns to supplement what is in the LOTH. Therefore, I think that these apps simply make such substitutions on their own accord. It is possible that they got permission from the USCCB, but, if so, I have not seen that documented.

It could well be that, because these are private companies designing software for the general public, they don’t even need permission from a conference of bishops to begin with. They only need permission to duplicate the text of the LOTH, but they are free to put in whatever songs they wish (assuming, of course, that they obtain the legal rights to do so). And, of course, members of the laity should not feel compelled to adhere to all the various rubrics of the LOTH. Therefore, feel free to end your Night Prayer with whatever Marian hymns you like even if they do not stem from an official list provided by the USCCB.

Thank you!! you explained soo much, was very helpful indeed, God bless you and Mary protect you

 

[Gertabelle]

You’re very welcome. As a side note, as a theology student a few years ago, I was taught how to pray the standard English LOTH by the Benedictine monks of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA. But when I occasionally joined them for Vespers they used their own breviaries (with much more extensive offices) and hymn selections. I’m sure this was probably your own experience, also.

Oh my goodness, yes!

We had so many books – one for each hour of the Office (Little Hours were all in one book), and then additional books for Advent, Lent, and Easter. Our poor guests were always lost when they tried to join us, particularly if they had to flip between the Psalms of the day and the antiphons/readings of a memorial, AND if that all occurred outside Ordinary Time

They were in a time of transition with how they were singing the Office when I arrived, and it’s been so long since I left that I have no idea what sorts of books they’re using now.

But I LOVE the LOTH – just love it! These days I either use my single volume “Christian Prayer” or use DivineOffice.org.

Gertie

 

[CountrySteve]

Oh my goodness, yes!

We had so many books – one for each hour of the Office (Little Hours were all in one book), and then additional books for Advent, Lent, and Easter. Our poor guests were always lost when they tried to join us, particularly if they had to flip between the Psalms of the day and the antiphons/readings of a memorial, AND if that all occurred outside Ordinary Time

They were in a time of transition with how they were singing the Office when I arrived, and it’s been so long since I left that I have no idea what sorts of books they’re using now.

But I LOVE the LOTH – just love it! These days I either use my single volume “Christian Prayer” or use DivineOffice.org.

Gertie

do you pray the Office of Readings by any chance, i started to recently and found it diffucult with the single volume Christian prayer

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

do you pray the Office of Readings by any chance, i started to recently and found it diffucult with the single volume Christian prayer

It is impossible (or nearly so) with the 1 volume. You will have to spring for the 4 volume, I’m afraid.

 

[CountrySteve]

It is impossible (or nearly so) with the 1 volume. You will have to spring for the 4 volume, I’m afraid.

yesh ik, imma try to save up for it, for now the only thing i found it lacks for the OOR is the responsorys after the first & second readings

 

[EricFilmer]

do you pray the Office of Readings by any chance, i started to recently and found it diffucult with the single volume Christian prayer

It is impossible (or nearly so) with the 1 volume. You will have to spring for the 4 volume, I’m afraid.

The Office of Readings section in Christian Prayer is an abbreviated form of what is found in the 4-Volume. Naturally, this was done to make Christian Prayer fit in a single volume. I agree with Luigi that those who find the Office of Reading to be an enriching experience should resort to the 4-volume (or use a LOTH app on a smart phone).

There is yet another alternative, however. At one point the LOTH’s Office of Readings was available in a single book: The Office of Reading (by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy, 1983). Therefore, it was used by people who had Christian Prayer, as well as by religious communities who did not have an Office of Reading section in their own breviaries. Nevertheless, it is out-of-print and hard to find. I just checked Amazon.com, and there are currently six used copies available through them. The cheapest one is a hundred bucks and the most expensive is $245!!!

 

[EricFilmer]

Thank you!! you explained soo much, was very helpful indeed, God bless you and Mary protect you

You’re welcome, CS, and may God bless you and Mary protect you as well.

 

[Gertabelle]

do you pray the Office of Readings by any chance, i started to recently and found it diffucult with the single volume Christian prayer

I adore the Office of Readings, and it is often the only part of the LOTH that I actually have time for. I go to DivineOffice.org and pray it from there. Very straight forward, and I’ve always liked the readings they have for the day.

I use the single volume for the rest of it, if I have the time and am not near a computer.

God bless you!

Gertie