Do You Pray the Liturgy of the Hours?

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For Catholics who know of the Liturgy of the Hours (or, the Divine Office, as it is also known) they may think about it as something priests and religious pray. It’s true that clergy and religious are obligated to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. But the Church encourages lay people to pray some portion of the Hours as well.

Here are five reasons we should all be engaged in this great prayer of the Church to whatever extent we are able.  

https://www.churchpop.com/5-reasons-every-layperson-should-pray-the-liturgy-of-the-hours/

The Mass is Still the Mass

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I am deeply committed to the Novus Ordo promulgated by Pope Saint Paul VI in 1969… This commitment emanates from the enormous continuity between the old rite and the new.

Richard Clark

In this article by Richard Clark, Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, we are reminded of the fundamental continuity between the ordinary form of the Mass (Novus Ordo) and that which came before. Sadly, of course, this continuity is sometimes eclipsed by less-than-ideal liturgical celebrations. He offers a number of practical suggestions that parishes can employ to make that continuity more clearly visible, which he derives from Pope Francis’ apostolic letter, Desiderio desideravi.

As you read the article, notice how many of the author’s suggestions are currently in place at St. Mark. We are truly blessed.

“Reform of the Reform”

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With the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, it is appropriate to consider anew his contributions to the Liturgy, the so-called “reform of the reform” in particular. In this video, Fr. Joseph Fessio of Ignatius Press gives an in-depth presentation on liturgical reform in the context of his relationship with Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI.

Can’t Live Without It

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Beauty is a necessity, not a luxury. …without beauty, the duties prove too hard and, eventually, seem pointless. 

Charles Klamut

Why is it that we feel happier when we’re in the presence of beauty? And why do drab or utilitarian surroundings make us feel sort of listless or depressed, or even agitated? We instinctively respond to beauty, just as we keenly, if unconsciously, sense it’s absence. 

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That’s Just Your Opinion!

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Understanding this difference between objective and subjective judgment is crucial to our understanding of beauty and indeed reality. 

Joseph Pearce

Is it possible to speak objectively about what’s beautiful and what isn’t? Joseph Pearce argues that we can, though we will first need to be open to the truth that there is such a thing as an objective standard for beauty. That’s a tough sell today, and requires a large dose of humility. 

The Quest for the Best: Is it in the Eye of the Beholder?