Little office of the BVM
Hello Brother:
I have really begun to use the Little Office of the B.V.M.. I do however, prefer the traditional nonrevised version. I actually prefer it to the Shorter Christian Prayer.
I read, in an earlier posting that you would like to make a comparison of the older version with the new version. You may see the entire traditional office of the B.V.M on www.geocities.com/littleofficebvm/. I would be very interested in your comparison.
I attend the indult Mass and find that this traditional office is most meaningful, personally. In addition, its very nature beautifully compliments my larger liturgical sensibilities.
I have also read, the Little Office is a "devotional practice, in imitation of the Divine Office and in addition to the Divine Office". I take it, therefore, that from this definition, that one is certainly under no oligation to use the revised version. Furthermore, since this office in not part of the public liturgical life of the Church, no indults are required. Is this your understanding? Your opinion and critique are greatly appreciated!
Pax,
Terry
QUESTION from Thierry on May 20, 2004
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on May 22, 2004
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Dear Terry: The Church has legislated that the Little Office is permitted as an alternative to the Divine Office and is considered Liturgical Prayer. Thus when one does use the Little Office as this alternative, it ceases to be a private devotion, but is a public prayer -- this one is praying with the Church. As for the newer or older edition of the Little Office, one needs to use the most recent edition of any Liturgy (public prayer), unless permission has been given to use the older forms. See some additional information from previous posts: Little Office as Public Prayer
God Bless, |