The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“As you vigilantly school yourself in studying the psalms and in giving praise to God, I exhort you, venerable brother, and recommend that you also not omit the daily office of the blessed Mary ever virgin.”

—St. Peter Damian

Welcome Back to Marian Devotions!

A Marian devotion that you can thoughtfully incorporate into your daily prayer routine and spiritual life is known as the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This beautiful practice allows us to engage more deeply with our faith while honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary through a series of prayers and reflections.

Catholics are encouraged to have a steady and committed prayer life, especially those who are devoted to the Virgin Mary. One of the best ways to express this devotion is through the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This valued practice strengthens the connection with Mary and enhances the spiritual experience of those who practice it regularly.

You may be wondering, what exactly does this entail? Similar to the Breviary or the Liturgy of the Hours, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary consists of a Morning and Evening prayer, as well as a Midday and Night prayer.

Let’s take a look of the history behind this beautiful devotion. The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary which appeared in the ninth or tenth century and is a shortened form of the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office). It may have originally been put together to be prayed in connection with the Votive Masses of Our Lady on Saturday, which were written by Alciun, the liturgical master of Charlemagne’s court. Saint Peter Damian (d. 1072) revised it and recommended it. It was adopted by two religious communities, the Cistercians and the Camaldulensians. It became part of the Books of Hours in Mary’s honor and was used by many lay people. In addition to the formal Liturgy of the Hours, the Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order suggests The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary another form of prayer.

For those who have a particular devotion to the Mama Mary, there is truly no finer or more profound form of prayer available than the cherished Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This beautiful and time-honored practice offers a deep opportunity for reflection and connection with the divine.This Little Office serves not only as a collection of prayers but also as a meaningful way of living out the essence of faith – in praise and reflection – through the principal moments of each day in the comforting company of Mary, who devoted her life to standing alongside her Son in ardent love, joyful praise, and unwavering faith.

If you would like to pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I have attached a pdf Courtesy of the Boston Catholic Journal. www.boston-catholic-journal.com

Click on the photo below for download.

You can also conveniently purchase the book through the various links provided below. As a brief disclaimer, I would like to clarify that I derive no profit whatsoever from these links.

" Ave Maria, Totus tuus" or "Totally yours"

Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.

Peace and Grace.