The Divine Office: How to Say it Devoutly, How to Make it a Pleasure

by Paul O'Sullivan

Written for Priests, but certainly useful for anyone who recites the Divine Office, this little manual addresses all of the calamities associated with the poor recitation of the Divine Office, as well as the great graces that are the result of its devout recitation.

With his characteristic dexterity and clarity, Fr. O’Sullivan (who often uses the acronymic pseudonym E.D.M.- derived from “Enfant de Marie” which is in English “Child of Mary”) addresses both interior and exterior obstacles that thwart a devout soul’s attempt from abundantly reaping the fruits of the Divine Office.

After reading and meditating on the sublime teachings and practical advice given in this book, it would be astounding if one does not recite the Office digne, attente ac devote (worthily, attentively and devoutly). Unlike lengthy, expensive and largely theoretical treatises on the Divine Office, this little book is perfect for frequent meditation or spiritual reading. It is an ideal gift for your Pastor, or any Priest, Seminarian or Religious you may know.

The same author who made us appreciate the blessed Name of Our Lord in his book The Wonders of the Holy Name, and taught us how to avoid Purgatory in Read Me or Rue It / How to Avoid Purgatory, and increased our love for our Angel Guardians in All About the Angels, now teaches how to pray the Divine Office, the greatest of prayers, second only to the Holy Mass.

No words are wasted in these short chapters, which show the devout soul the teachings and examples of the Saints and are sanctioned by the experiences and piety of Father O’Sullivan and the testimony of his brethren and superiors in the clergy.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1937

About the author

Father Paul O'Sullivan, O.P., was born on February 7, 1871. After studying in Dublin, he went on to Rome, where he was ordained a Dominican. He then pursued a Lectorate degree for theology, which in turn prepared him for his future career in writing simple, profound books and preaching to the faithful. Father O'Sullivan also founded the "Catholic Printing Press" and established the Rosary Association, one of several associations he created with the Church's permission. He wrote on and had a great devotion to St. Philomena as well. He died in 1958, on the Feast of the Presentation.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is addressed to priests, mostly because priests were at the time of writing the primary people who prayed the entire Divine Office. If, however, you pray the old Divine Office, for whatever reason, this little book is utterly transformative of the method in which you say it. I will continue to slowly reread it over and over to keep myself following its precepts.

[Andrew Klusman]

A pretty short reflection on the Divine Office, how to meditate during it, and how to maximize the 'effects' of regular praying the Divine Office. Also includes many quotations and sayings from a number of Saints on why one should pray the Office well (and its effects).