Have you ever decided to try praying the Divine Office—also known as the Liturgy of the Hours—but lost your nerve when you saw the size of the book?
Did you begin, then realize it was difficult to fit it in along with your other devotions and duties?
Fear not. The Church has a way for you to say the Office. A “little” way.
The Madonna of the Book by Sandro Botticelli
The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been a beloved prayer of the Church for well over a thousand years. It goes back to at least the 8th century among the Benedictines of Monte Cassino, and maybe even earlier. It began to see widespread use beginning in the 10th century, and eventually became a regular prayer—even mandatory in many instances—of religious orders, secular clergy, and tertiary orders.
Even among the laity it became a regular popular devotion. They continued the practice through the persecutions of the Reformation.
The simplicity and brevity of the Little Office make it especially suited to the demands of lay life. It is the size of a small book and is very easy to follow. Its focus on Our Lady also effuses it with a character that speaks well to the life of the laity, since Our Lady is our foremost example when it comes to the sanctification of daily living.
The Little Office is the perfect way to unite yourself to the daily prayer of the Church, even if you cannot commit to the full Divine Office. Easy to begin and easy to keep up, Our Lady’s beautiful Office will bring divine structure and inspiration to your everyday life. At The Catholic Company, we offer a lovely edition of this Office, with a Marian blue leather-like cover, ribbon marker, and gold embossing. Order yours today!
