The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A Path to Devotion

Introduction

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a cherished liturgical devotion that invites believers to sanctify their days through prayer. Rooted in centuries of tradition, this concise office allows both religious and lay people to honor the Virgin Mary with unwavering devotion.

What Is the Little Office?

The Little Office is a simplified form of the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), specifically dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. It consists of prayers, psalms, hymns, and readings, carefully structured to mark different hours of the day. By participating in this devotion, we join a spiritual chorus that has echoed through generations.

The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a rich history that spans centuries. Let’s explore its origins:

1. Origins and Monastic Devotion:
   • The Little Office likely originated as a monastic devotion around the eighth century. It was practiced among the Benedictines of Monte Cassino and possibly even earlier.
   • At Monte Cassino, alongside the Divine Office, there existed another office specifically performed in honor of the Holy Mother of God. Pope Zachary issued a strict precept to the Cassinese Monastery regarding this devotion¹.
2. Connection to Alcuin and Votive Masses:
   • The Little Office may have been put together to be prayed in connection with the Votive Masses of Our Lady on Saturday.
   • These Votive Masses were written by Alcuin, the liturgical master of Charlemagne’s court¹.
3. Widespread Use and Variations:
   • The Little Office did not come into general use before the tenth century.
   • By the eleventh century, there were already at least two versions of the Little Office in England.
   • Variations existed between the Sarum and York uses in medieval England¹.
4. Development and Obligatory Practice:
   • The Augustinian Canons of Prémontré prescribed the Little Office in addition to the eight hours of the Divine Office in the twelfth century.
   • Through their influence, it evolved from a private devotion into part of the daily duty for secular clergy in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
   • By the fourteenth century, the Little Office became obligatory for all clergy.
   • This obligation remained until St. Pius V modified it in 1568¹.

In summary, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a deep-rooted history, evolving from monastic practice to widespread use among various religious orders and clergy. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire devotion to Our Lady.

How to Pray the Little Office

1. Introduction: Begin by acknowledging the presence of God and the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
2. Matins: Also known as the midnight hour, Matins is a time for contemplation and praise. Traditionally, it would be prayed around midnight. In a monastic context, this hour marks the beginning of the day.
3. Lauds: Lauds is the morning prayer, celebrating the dawn of a new day. Monastically, this would often be around 5 am, depending on the season of the year. Lauds, along with Vespers, form the two major hours that were often celebrated publicly, even in locations that don’t celebrate the full office in public.
4. Prime: Prime is the first hour of the day, typically prayed around 6 am. It invokes blessings upon our daily tasks.
5. Terce: Terce is the second of the four minor hours, prayed around 9 am. It continues our journey through the day, consecrating our work and activities.
6. Sext: Sext is the third of the four minor hours, prayed around noon. It serves as a midday pause for prayer and reflection.
7. None: None is the fourth of the four minor hours, prayed around 3 pm. It marks the afternoon and invites us to lift our hearts to God.
8. Vespers: Vespers is the evening prayer, reflecting on the day’s events. It is typically prayed around sunset.
9. Compline: Compline is the night prayer, entrusted to God’s care as we rest. It is the final prayer of the day.

Saint Peter Damian’s Exhortation

As Saint Peter Damian wisely advised, let us not omit the daily office of the Blessed Mary ever virgin. Through these sacred moments, we draw closer to her maternal heart and seek her intercession.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

Saint Mary, guide us in our journey of faith. May your unwavering devotion inspire us to live each moment in quiet joy, knowing that you intercede for us. Amen.

Conclusion

Remember that the Little Office combines the structure of the Great Office with the meditative repetitions of the Rosary. Each hour calls to mind events in the life of Jesus as witnessed by Mary, making it a beautiful devotion for all believers.

For more information, consider reading the Introduction section of the 1915 Benziger Brothers edition of the Little Office, which has been transcribed here. May your devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary deepen through these sacred moments!