Breviary

A Breviary (Latin: breviarium) is a liturgical book used by all the Carmelites – friars, cloistered nuns and the lay – for praying the canonical hours. It contains prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings for reciting the Divine Office.

Breviary is also called the Liturgy of the Hours or the Divine Office. All three names refer to the same reality, the official prayer of the Carmelites offered at various times of the day – Morning Prayer (Lauds), Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer (Vespers), Night Prayer and the Office of Readings.

Next to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Divine Office is the primary way in which we Carmelites engage in the worship of God. Even though we Carmelites have feast and memorials of our own canonized members, we still use the Breviary by Catholic Publishing.