Carthusian Diurnal V. I ( 1985)

Carthusian Diurnal Volume I 

Little Hours of the Canonical Office Office of the Blessed Virgin 

Penitential Psalms and Litany of the Saints Office of the Dead 

INTRODUCTION 

Why this Office? 

The Second Vatican Council expresses itself on the subject of the Office in these words: 

Jesus Christ, High Priest of the New and Eternal Covenant, taking human nature, introduced into this earthly exile that hymn which is sung throughout all ages in the halls of heaven. He attaches to himself the entire community of mankind and has them join him in singing his divine song of praise ... 

The Divine Office, in keeping with ancient Christian tradition, is so devised that the whole course of the day and night is made holy by the praise of God. Therefore, when this wonderful song of praise is Correctly celebrated by priests and others deputed to it by the Church, or by the faithful praying together with a priest in the approved form, then it is truly the voice of the Bride herself addressed to her Bridegroom. It is the very prayer which Christ himself together with his Body addresses to the Father. 

Hence all who take part in the Divine Office are not only performing a duty for the Church, they are also sharing in what is the greatest honor for Christ's Bride; for by offering these praises to God they are standing before God's throne in the name of the Church, their Mother.