Breviary
Introduction
A breviary is a liturgical book used in the Roman Catholic tradition, as well as in some other Christian denominations, to guide the daily prayer of the Divine Office, also known as the Liturgy of the Hours. This collection of prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings is designed to be recited at specific times throughout the day by clergy, religious communities, and laypeople. The breviary serves as a comprehensive guide to the liturgical hours, providing a structured approach to prayer that is deeply rooted in Christian tradition.
Historical Development
The origins of the breviary can be traced back to the early Christian monastic communities, where the practice of praying the Psalms at set times of the day was established. This practice was formalized in the Rule of Saint Benedict, which became a foundational text for Western monasticism. Over time, the structure and content of the Divine Office evolved, leading to the creation of various liturgical books.
The term "breviary" itself emerged in the 11th century, reflecting the need for a more concise and portable version of the liturgical books used in monasteries. The first breviaries were essentially compendiums that included the Psalter, antiphons, hymns, readings, and prayers necessary for the daily office. By the 13th century, the breviary had become a standardized liturgical book, used not only by monastic communities but also by secular clergy.
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) played a significant role in the development of the breviary, as it sought to standardize the liturgical practices of the Church. The result was the Roman Breviary, promulgated by Pope Pius V in 1568. This breviary became the official liturgical book for the Roman Rite and remained largely unchanged until the 20th century.
Structure and Content
The breviary is divided into several sections, each corresponding to a specific hour of the Divine Office. These hours are traditionally known as Matins (or the Office of Readings), Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. Each hour consists of specific prayers, psalms, hymns, and readings, which are recited or sung in a prescribed order.
Psalter
The Psalter is the heart of the breviary, containing the 150 Psalms of the Book of Psalms. The Psalms are distributed throughout the week, ensuring that all are recited over the course of seven days. The arrangement of the Psalms varies depending on the liturgical season and the specific rite being followed.
Proper of Seasons
The Proper of Seasons includes the prayers and readings specific to the liturgical seasons, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These texts reflect the themes and spiritual significance of each season, providing a deeper context for the daily prayers.
Proper of Saints
The Proper of Saints contains the prayers and readings for the feast days of saints throughout the liturgical year. Each saint's feast day is commemorated with specific texts that highlight their life, virtues, and contributions to the Church.
Common of Saints
The Common of Saints provides texts that can be used for the feast days of saints who do not have specific prayers assigned to them. These texts are organized by categories, such as martyrs, virgins, pastors, and doctors of the Church.
Additional Texts
In addition to the core components, the breviary includes various other texts, such as the Te Deum, the Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus), the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat), and the Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis). These canticles are integral to the structure of the Divine Office and are recited at specific hours.
Liturgical Reforms and Modern Usage
The 20th century saw significant reforms to the breviary, particularly following the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The council emphasized the importance of active participation in the liturgy and sought to make the Divine Office more accessible to the laity. As a result, the breviary was revised to simplify its structure and language.
The revised breviary, known as the Liturgy of the Hours, was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1970. This version introduced several changes, including a new distribution of the Psalms, additional scriptural readings, and the use of vernacular languages. The Liturgy of the Hours is now the standard form of the Divine Office in the Roman Rite.
Despite these reforms, traditional breviaries continue to be used by some religious communities and individuals who prefer the older form of the liturgy. The Tridentine or pre-Vatican II breviary is still celebrated by groups that adhere to the traditional Latin Mass.
Variations Across Christian Denominations
While the breviary is most closely associated with the Roman Catholic Church, similar liturgical books are used in other Christian traditions. The Anglican Communion has its own version of the Divine Office, known as the Book of Common Prayer, which includes the Daily Office. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Horologion, a liturgical book that serves a similar purpose to the breviary.
Each of these traditions has its own unique structure and content, reflecting the theological and liturgical differences between them. However, the core purpose of these books remains the same: to provide a framework for daily prayer and meditation.
Theological Significance
The breviary holds a central place in the spiritual life of the Church, serving as a means of sanctifying the day through prayer. The recitation of the Divine Office is considered an act of worship, uniting the individual with the universal Church in a continuous offering of praise and supplication.
The use of the Psalms in the breviary is particularly significant, as they are seen as the inspired word of God and a reflection of the human experience. The Psalms express a wide range of emotions, from joy and gratitude to sorrow and lamentation, making them a powerful tool for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
The breviary also emphasizes the communal aspect of prayer, as it is traditionally recited in a group setting. This communal prayer fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among the faithful, reinforcing the bonds of the Church community.
Conclusion
The breviary is a vital component of the liturgical life of the Church, providing a structured approach to daily prayer that is deeply rooted in tradition. Its evolution over the centuries reflects the changing needs and priorities of the Church, while its core purpose remains unchanged: to guide the faithful in their spiritual journey and to sanctify the day through prayer.