Traditional Divine Office
Bro Ignatius,
I recently wrote a letter to my archbishop asking for his permission to pray the traditional Divine Office; specifically, the Little Office of the BVM. His response was as follows:
"You do not need any permission from me to pray the traditional Divine Office. Since you are not in Holy Orders, it is not an obligation and you are free to pray whatever Office you wish."
This is just for reference because I thought I read on your site that special permission was needed or I wouldn't be praying "with the Church." Is he right?
QUESTION from Rica on October 11, 2003
ANSWER by Staff on October 18, 2003
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Dear Rica: I would say the bishop is mistaken. I say this for three reasons; 1) Liturgy is always regulated by the Church and thus cannot be altered except by the proper authority; 2) although laity are not required to recite the Divine Office, the Council Father recommend it to laity; 3) The General Instructions to the Liturgy of the Hours includes provisions and instructions for laity in reciting the Office. If the Holy See did not care what laity did in terms of "praying with the Church" in the Divine Office then there would likely be no provision for laity in the Instructions and thus the Instructions would be addressed only to those bound to recite the Office. Since there are provisions in the Instructions to accommodate the laity, we need to follow them. There is no provision to use any other translation or edition of the Divine Office other than that currently promulgated. A bishop, however, can give permission to use the previous edition of the Office. This bishop in question I guess doesn't mind and thus, in your case, and perhaps in the case of any laity in your diocese permission is implied.
God bless, |