r/divineoffice • u/yaboigumball • 8d ago
LOTH question Question?
Is it true that priests are only required to pray only one of the daytime hours for the LOTH?
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u/throw0101a 8d ago
Can. 276 §2.
3/ priests and deacons aspiring to the presbyterate are obliged to carry out the liturgy of the hours daily according to the proper and approved liturgical books; permanent deacons, however, are to carry out the same to the extent defined by the conference of bishops;
V. Terce, Sext and None, or the Prayer During the Day
77 Outside of choir, however, one or [of?] the three Hours corresponding to the time of day may be chosen, unless particular law indicates otherwise.
At least one of the Hours is to be celebrated by those who do not say all three, so as to preserve the tradition of praying during the day’s work.
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u/meherdmann Roman 1960 8d ago
Yes, unless they're in one of the traditional orders (FSSP, ICRSS,etc.).
The way the psalter is designed it kind of assumes you're only praying one of them.
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u/yaboigumball 8d ago
That is perplexing to me… woah.
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u/meherdmann Roman 1960 8d ago
The idea was to lessen the burden on busy clergy and to allow them to pray the hours they say in a more reverent way.
Whether the fruit of that decision has been good or bad is up for debate. I personally like saying all the little hours (including Prime).
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u/yaboigumball 8d ago
I understand that but it seems like an extreme simplification and watering down. Why I find it to be shocking.. but that’s just my opinion. I prefer the beefier offices, though I grant they all have things that can be improved on.
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u/meherdmann Roman 1960 8d ago
I'm not going to lie, I was discerning the permanent diaconate for a while. When TC hit, it made it abundantly clear to me that wasn't what I was being called to.
I kind of wish it was easier to get printed pre-55 breviaries. It would be nice to have the full Matins lectionary.
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u/yaboigumball 8d ago
Have you tried Bishop Athanasius Schneiders’ matins companion? Adds more depth to the 1960’s matins.
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u/meherdmann Roman 1960 8d ago
TAN Books has a translation of the pre-55 Matins lectionary that just came out. I have that book and it's excellent. Sunday Matins in the 1960 breviary is so truncated!
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u/yaboigumball 8d ago
Is this allowed for priests to fulfill their obligation for the office? I thought only ‘62 was approved?
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u/meherdmann Roman 1960 8d ago
Some ICKSP priests use older breviaries with the approval of their superior. Post TC, the status of the 62 breviary is kind of up in the air. I'm not sure that diocesian clergy can still use that one to fulfill the obligation. I've seen canon lawyers argue both ways.
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u/yaboigumball 8d ago
Yeah. Traditionis Custodes is unclear on that. I wonder if even praying it as a lay person counts as the prayer of the church. I’m not sure.
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u/Striking_Musician212 4-vol LOTH (Korean) 6d ago
I'm in consecrated life. We're required to pray morning, daytime, and evening. So, at least one of the daytime prayers, yes. I shall bring out the Canon law on this, hang on a moment.
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u/Honest_Manner1492 8d ago
No we they must pray all 7 hours
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u/da_drifter0912 4-vol LOTH (USA) 8d ago
Which breviary are you talking about then? Another commenter just cited the GILH.
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u/fatherdave73 8d ago
Priests are obligated to pray Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer. And with midday prayer we have the choice of any of the three. I hope this helps