Benedict XVI
Quoting Cardinal Siri on the importance of the Divine Office.
“You, dear members of the Chapter of Canons of the Cathedral, taking care of the liturgical actions that take place here, remember that everything in us draws force from personal and liturgical prayer. It is still Cardinal Siri to stress that “the most venerable and most holy action, worthy of any consideration and respect, of every honour and distinction, which is performed in a diocese, is the solemn celebration of the persolvation of the Divine Office, i.e. what you do … The whole diocese, and in a certain sense the whole Church, prays through your lips. The duty of the diocesan family of the faithful is discharged towards God above all with this your prayer” (Towards the Congress “Worship of the Lord”. Pastoral Letter to the Canons, 24 January 1953).” - The Holy Father in Genoa.
The Divine Office is the solemn duty of priests, monks and nuns. Many of the laity faithfully pray the Liturgy of the Hours as well, although they are not obliged to do so.
May 19th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I started praying the Office 4 years ago and it has enriched my life immensely!
May 19th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
That is an excellent preparation for monastic life, which is dedicated to the Work of God.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Here is a link to encourage the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours:
http://www.liturgy.co.nz/ofthehours/resources.html
If you add it to your blogroll
(where I see many of my favourite sites)
please let me know so I link back.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
From the Brief Rule of St. Romuald”
In the Psalms there is one way. Do not abandon it. If you who have come with the fervor of a novice cannot understand everything, strive to recite with understanding of spirit and mind, now here, now there, and when you begin to wander while reading, do not stop, but hasten to correct yourself by concentrating.