DIVINE OFFICE REFORM

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 10

DIVINE OFFICE REFORM

Pope Asks Clergy For More Devotion (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) VATICAN CITY, July 27. Pope John has asked Roman Catholic clergy to make up for abbreviations in the daily divine office by reciting it “with more diligence and devotion.” In a rescript Papal decision published today, he said he had approved a reform of the rubrics (directions for conducting divine service), of the breviary, and of the missal. He ordered that it should be observed, starting on January 1 of next year, by all those who follow the Roman rite of the Church and by those belonging to other Latin rites on all points which are not strictly part of these rites. The Pope said the body of rubrics of the breviary and Roman missal had been edited “in better form, laid out more clearly, and put down in one text. “On the other hand, suitable changes have been introduced which somewhat reduce the extension of the divine office. This was the wish of many bishops in respect of many priests who nowadays face a growing burden of pastoral duties. “With a fatherly heart we therefore exhort them and all those who are followers of the divine office, to see to it that what is taken away in the divine office by the abbreviations, is made up for by reciting it with more diligence and devotion.”