I am thinking about taking up the devotion to the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as an extension of my consecration to her next week, and my intention to devote myself more to Mary. Show I see there are at least two editions (one traditional, and one more recently revised) as well as at least a couple publisher options. So, I'd love to hear opinions as to which version (edition and/or specific publication) to choose, and why. Also, if anyone could give me insight to the extent of the changes / revisions, that would be most appreciated. Thank you. Historical Background The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary which appeared in the ninth or tenth century and is a shortened form of the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office). It may have originally been put together to be prayed in connection with the Votive Masses of Our Lady on Saturday, which were written by Alciun, the liturgical master of Charlemagne’s court. Saint Peter Damian (d. 1072) revised it and recommended it. It was adopted by two religious communities, the Cistercians and the Camaldulensians. Later the secular clergy also used it. The Little Office varied in different communities and locations, but was standardized by Pius V in 1585. It became part of the Books of Hours in Mary’s honor and was used by many lay people. Beautifully decorated Books of Hours were the pride of many a noble. The Marian Library has examples of such books. Women’s congregations and Third Orders often made it mandatory for their members to pray the Little Office. In 1952, it was revised with many additions to the prayers according to the six periods of the liturgical season. Vatican II designated the revised office as part of the public prayer of the Church. The Little Office below is adapted from the standardized version of 1585. The Dictionary of Mary article by A. Buono states: With the publication in 1971 of the newly-revised four-volume Liturgy of the Hours the Church urged that those not obliged to the recitation of the full Office should say at least one or two hours of the new Office, for example, Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer. Accordingly, short one-volume Offices appeared in various languages and they were immediately adopted by congregations not bound to the whole office. As a result, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary initially lost some of its popularity. The elements of the Little Office are also the same as those of the Liturgy of the Hours: Biblical texts with more or less direct reference to the mystery of Mary, with psalms with proper antiphons, responsories, intercessions, and prayer – all Marian in character. The originality lies precisely in this emphasis given to the person of Mary, who nonetheless never appears in isolated fastion. She is always portrayed as part of the History of Salvation, as the admirable fruit of the Divine Power, as the Mother of the Lord, or as the Image of the Church. Hence, the Little Office is a way of living – in praise and reflection – the principal moments of each day with Mary, who spent her life alongside her Son in ardent love, in joyous praise, and in deep faith. The fully revised Little Hours can be obtained through liturgical book services. Prayer Before the Office Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless Your Holy Name: cleanse my heart from all vain, evil and distracting thoughts; enlighten my understanding, inflame my will, that I may worthily recite this Office with intention and devotion, and deserve to be heard in the presence of Your divine Majesty. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Lord, in union with that divine intention with which You praised God on Earth, I offer to You these Hours. Prayer after the Office To the most holy and undivided Trinity, to the humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, crucified, to the spotless maternity of the most blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, and to the whole assembly of the Saints, be everlasting praise, honor, power and glory from every creature, and to us forgiveness of all our sins for ever and ever. R. Amen Matins Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you ; blessed are you amongst all women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. V. You shall open my lips, O Lord. At all the Hours throughout the year, Alleluia is said, except from Septugesima Sunday to Holy Saturday, when instead of Alleluia is said: Praise be to You , O Lord, King of Everlasting Glory. Invitatory Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Psalm 94 Come, let us praise the Lord with joy, let us joyfully sing to God, our Savior: let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise to him with psalms. Hymn The Lord, Whom earth, and air, and sea First Nocturn Psalm 8 Psalm 18 Psalm 23 V. Grace is poured forth on your lips. (Our Father, etc., silently.) V. And lead us not into temptation. Second Nocturn Psalm 44 Psalm 45 Psalm 86 V. Grace is poured forth on your
lips. (Our Father, etc., silently.) V. And lead us not into temptation. Third Nocturn Psalm 95 Psalm 96 Psalm 97 V. Grace is poured forth on your lips. (Our Father, etc., silently.) V. And lead us not into temptation. The Absolution By the prayers and merits of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, may the Lord bring us to the kingdom of heaven. R. Amen. The Blessing May the Virgin Mary, with her loving Child, bless us. R. Amen. The three following Lessons are said throughout the year except during Advent. Lesson 1. Ecclesiasticus 24:11-13. In all these I sought rest, and I shall abide in the inheritance of the Lord. Then the Creator of all things commanded and said to me; and He that made me rested in my tabernacle, and He said me: Let your dwelling be in Jacob, and your inheritance in Israel, and take root in Mine Elect. But Thou, Lord, have mercy on us. R. Thanks be to God. The Blessing R. Amen. Lesson 2. Ecclesiasticus 24:15-16. And so was I established in Zion, and in the holy city likewise I rested; and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God, His inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of Saints. But Thou, Lord, have mercy on us. R. Thanks be to God. When the Te Deum is said, add: V. Pray, sir, a blessing The Blessing V. Amen Lesson 3. Ecclesiasticus 24:17-20. I was exalted like a cedar in Lebanon, and as a cypress tree on Mount Zion. I was exalted like a palm tree in Cadiz, and like a rose plant in Jericho. As a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plane tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave forth a sweet fragrance like cinnamon and aromatic balm. I yielded a sweetness of fragrance like choicest myrrh. But Thou, Lord, have mercy on us. R. Thanks be to God. The following Responsory is omitted when the Te Deum is said. R. Surely you are happy, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, For out of you arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. Te Deum In Advent The Absolution The Blessing R. Amen. Lesson 1. Luke 1:26-28 The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a Virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the Virgin's name was Mary. And when the Angel had come to her, he said, Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you . Blessed are you among women. But You, Lord have mercy on us. R. Thanks be to God. The Blessing R. Amen. Lesson 2. Luke 1:29-33 When she had seen him she was troubled at his word, and kept pondering what manner of greeting this might be. And the Angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God. And behold, You shall conceive in your womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and You shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give him the throne of David His Father, and He shall be king over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." But You, Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God. When the Te Deum is said, add Glory be to the Father, and the Holy Spirit, as above. V. Pray, sir, a blessing The Blessing R. Amen. Lesson 3. Luke 1:34-38 But Mary said to the Angel, "How shall this happen, since I do not know man?" And the Angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you; and therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your kinswoman also has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was barren is now in her sixth month; for nothing shall be impossible with God. But Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to your word." But You, Lord, have mercy upon us. R. Thanks be to God. The following Responsory is omitted when the Te Deum is to be said: R. Receive, O Virgin Mary, the word which has been communicated to you by the Lord through the Angel: You shall conceive and bear a Son, Who shall be both God and man: That you may be called blessed among all women. Lauds Psalm 92 Psalm 99 Psalm 62 Canticle of the Three
Children Psalm
98 The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. O Queen of all the virgin
choir, V. Blessed are you among women. The Canticle of Zachary, Luke 1 V. O Lord, hear my prayer. Let Us Pray V. Rejoice in the Lord, and be glad, O ye just. Let
Us Pray V. O Lord, hear my prayer. If the Office finishes here, say Our Father, silently; then say aloud: V. May the Lord give us his peace. Then is said, according to the season, one of the Anthems of the Blessed Virgin Mary as at the end of Compline. In Advent 1. Antiphon: The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin betrothed to Joseph. Psalm 92 2. Antiphon: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among all women. Alleluia. Psalm 99 3. Antiphon: Fear not, Mary, you have found grace with the Lord: behold, You shall conceive, and bear a Son. Alleluia. Psalm 62 4. Antiphon: The Lord shall give to Him the seat of David His father, and He shall reign forever. Canticle of the Three Children 5. Antiphon: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to your word. Psalm 148 The Little Chapter Hymn, Versicle and Response Beneditus, Versicles and Collect V. Behold, the Lord shall appear upon a shining cloud. Let Us Pray Purify our consciences, we beseech You , O Lord, by your visitation; that when Your Son, Jesus Christ, you Lord, shall come with all His Saints, He may find a mansion prepared in us for Himself. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. R. Amen. If the Office finishes here, say Our Father silently, then say aloud: V. May the Lord give us His peace. The Anthem of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the end of the Compline. When the Office is not ended at Lauds, the Anthem is not said until after the last Hour. After Advent 1. Antiphon: O marvelous intercourse! The Creator of Mankind, taking a body with a living soul, vouchsafed to be born of a virgin and, becoming man without man's concurrence, bestowed upon us His Godhead. Psalm 92 2. Antiphon: When you were born of a Virgin, after an ineffable manner, then were the Scriptures fulfilled. You did come down like rain upon the fleece, that You might save mankind: we praise You , O our God. Psalm 99 3. Antiphon: In the bush which Moses saw unconsumed, we acknowledge your admirable virginity preserved: intercede for us, O Mother of God. Psalm 62 4. Antiphon: The root of Jesse has budded: a star has arisen out of Jacob. A virgin has born the Savior: we praise You , O our God. Canticle of the Three Children 5. Antiphon: Behold Mary has borne us the Savior, Whom John beholding, exclaimed: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who takes away the sins of the world. Alleluia. Psalm 148 Prime Psalm 53 Psalm 84 Psalm 116 The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Let us pray R. Amen. Antiphon: The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin betrothed to Joseph. The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Versicles and Responses as from the Little Chapter before
this. R. Amen. Versicles and Responses as from Let us pray the page before this. After Advent Let us pray R. Amen. Versicles and Responses as from the previous Let us pray. Terce Psalm 119 Psalm 120 Psalm 121 The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Let us pray R. Amen. In Advent The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Versicles and Responses as from Ecclesiasticus 24, 15. Let us Pray R. Amen. Versicles and Responses as from Canticle 6, 9 After Advent Sext Psalm 122 Psalm 123 Psalm 124 The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Let us pray R. Amen In Advent The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Versicle and Responses as from Ecclesiasticus 24, 16. Let us Pray R. Amen. Versicles and Responses as from the previous Let us pray. After Advent None Psalm 125 Psalm 126 Psalm 127 The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Let us pray V. Amen. O Lord, hear my prayer. In Advent The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Versicles and Responses from Ecclesiasticus 24, 20 Let us Pray R. Amen. Versicles and Responses as from the previous Let us pray. After Advent R. Thanks be to God. The Little Chapter, Versicles and Responses from just before are to follow. Vespers Psalm 109 Psalm 112 Psalm 121 Psalm 126 Psalm 147 The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Hymn V. Grace is poured forth on your lips. Antiphons for the Magnificat: The Magnificat, or the Canticle of Our Blessed Lady. V. O Lord, hear my prayer Let us pray R. Amen. Commemoration of Saint Joseph, or another patron saint, as at the end of Compline. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. If the office finishes here, say Our Father, silently; then say aloud: V. May the Lord give us His peace. Then is said one of the anthems of the Lady, according to the season, as at the end of Compline. In Advent 1 Antiphon: the Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin betrothed to Joseph. Psalm 109 2 Antiphon: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you ; blessed are you among women. Alleluia. Psalm 112 3 Antiphon: Fear Not, Mary, you have found grace with the Lord. Behold, you shall conceive and bear a Son. Alleluia. Psalm 121 4 Antiphon: The Lord shall give to Him the seat of David, His Father, and He shall reign forever. Psalm 126 5 Antiphon: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to Your word. Psalm 147 The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Hymn, Versicle and Responses from earlier. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. Prayer from the end of None. Commemoration of Saint Joseph and of All Saints. Versicles and Responses from most previous Let us pray. After Advent 1 Antiphon: O marvelous intercourse! The Creator of mankind taking a body with a living soul, granted to be born of a Virgin, and becoming man without man's concurrence, bestowed upon us His Godhead. Psalm 109 2 Antiphon: When You were born of a Virgin, after an ineffable manner, then were the Scriptures fulfilled. You did come down like rain upon the fleece, that You might save mankind; we praise You , O our God. Psalm 112 3 Antiphon: In the bush, which Moses saw unconsumed, we acknowledge your admirable virginity preserved: intercede of us, O Mother of God. Psalm 121 4 Antiphon: The root of Jesse has budded; a star has risen out of Jacob; a Virgin has borne the Savior: we praise You , O our God. Psalm 126 5 Antiphon: Behold, Mary has borne us The Savior, Who John beholding, exclaimed saying: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who taketh away the sins of the world. Alleluia. Psalm 147 Then the Little Chapter from earlier is said, followed by the hymn at the beginning of Vespers. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. Prayer from Terce follows. Compline V. Convert us, O God our Savior. Incline to my aid, as on page one. Psalm 128 Psalm 129 Psalm 130 R. Thanks be to God. Canticle of Simeon. Luke 2, 29-32 V. O lord, hear my prayer. Let us pray V. O Lord, hear my prayer. The Blessing R. Amen. Then one of the anthems of Our Lady is said, according to the season, with the versicle and prayer. In Advent The Little Chapter R. Thanks be to God. Antiphon:
The Holy Spirit shall come upon you , Mary: fear not, You shall bear a in your womb the Son of God. Alleluia. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. Let us pray R. Amen. Versicle, Response and Blessing from the previous let us pray. After Advent Let us pray R. Amen. Versicles, Responses and Blessing from before follow. Anthems of the Blessed Virgin Mary V. Vouchsafe that I may praise you , O sacred Virgin. Let us pray R. Amen. V. May the divine assistance remain always with us. R. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence. V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia. Let us Pray R. Amen. Hail Mary, Our Father, Creed, in silence. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. Let us pray R. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence. V. The angel of the Lord declared to Mary. Let us pray R. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence. V. After Childbirth you did remain a pure Virgin. Let us pray R. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Creed, in silence. Commemorations of the Saints Saint Joseph At Vespers V. Glory and wealth shall be in his house. At Lauds V. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom. Let us pray Saint Augustine At first and second Vespers V. The Lord loved him and adorned him. Let us pray At Lauds V. The just the Lord leads the righteous away. Prayer as above. Second Vespers: ant. As at First Vespers, V. R. as at Lauds. Saint Benedict V. The Lord loved him and adorned him. Let us pray At Lauds V. The just the Lord leads the righteous away. Prayer as above. Second Vespers Saint
Francis Seraphicus Saint Dominic Saint Francis de Sales V. The Lord loved him and adorned him. Let us pray Saint Vincent de Paul From the treasures of The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute. The Marian Library has numerous versions of the Little Office of Our Lady. This version has been adapted to contemporary language minimally. Source for information on the Little Office, Dictionary of Mary. How do you pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary?Prayer Before the Office
Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless Your Holy Name: cleanse my heart from all vain, evil and distracting thoughts; enlighten my understanding, inflame my will, that I may worthily recite this Office with intention and devotion, and deserve to be heard in the presence of Your divine Majesty.
How long does it take to pray the Little Office?The Minor Hours take no more than ten minutes to pray. While there may be set times for those obligated to pray the Little Office, as a devotion you can simply use those times as an optional guide. Plan phone calls, emails, and meetings around your prayer schedule.
How long is the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary?Product information. What is the most popular devotion to Mary?One of the most important Marian devotions is the Akathist to the Theotokos, which is chanted every year during Great Lent, and is frequently chanted throughout the year as a private devotion. Some people chant the Akathist as part of their preparation for Holy Communion.
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