Newton Stewart, Wigtown and Whithorn RC Churches

Catholic Churches in the Machars of Galloway

“The Divine Office” or “The Liturgy of the Hours”  (27th January ‘08)

“The Divine Office” or “The Liturgy of the Hours”

 

From the beginning of her existence, the Church, following a Jewish custom, set fixed times of the day aside for prayer (apart from the Mass) which all the faithful were expected to observe. Over time, this “official” prayer came to be called the “divine office.”

This phrase has nothing to do with office-buildings. “Office” is here intended in its Latin sense, i.e. “duty” or “remit.” For various practical reasons, “the Office” quickly became a prayer practised only by bishops, monks, nuns and priests.

Vatican 2, renamed the Office as the “Liturgy of the Hours” as a way of highlighting that it is intended to sanctify our time. Vatican 2 also wanted to “give it back” to the laity. Most working people cannot pray the whole “Liturgy of the Hours” – it is too long for that. But the Church encourages us all at least to try and recite the Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. It takes about 15 minutes for each.

A number of people in our parishes already do this individually. But, as with all prayer, its effectiveness is increased when it is prayed in communion with others.

So, I will introduce the communal recitation of Morning Prayer before our weekday Masses, initially during Lent and Advent and on special occasions. I will explain how it is done during Mass on Monday, Feb. 4th (N. Stewart) and on Tuesday, Feb. 5th (Wigtown). I already did so this past Friday in Whithorn.

By this prayer, we are recovering an essential building block of the riches of our spiritual tradition and we are fulfilling both the letter and the spirit of Vatican 2. It also puts us in communion with the whole Church which prays this same prayer every day.

Finally, and not unimportantly, it will contribute to the strengthening of the spiritual life of our parishes.

The parish will provide books for everyone present. I have obtained a total of 35 copies. Naturally, I would be delighted if this number were not sufficient!

 

God bless you all in his infinite and tender merciful love!