The Explanation of the Psalms and Canticles in the Divine Office, one of the rarest works of Saint Alphonsus Maria Liguori, Confessor, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, is now available for a new generation of Catholic clergy and laity. Translated by Rev. Thomas Livius, C.SS.R. and published at London by Burns and Oates, Ltd., in 1887, with a preface by the famous Cardinal Manning, this book will certainly shed light on the obscure and difficult passages of the Psalter and inflame the heart with the sentiments of devotion that make the recital of the Psalms so spiritually edifying, as testified by two thousand years of Christian Psalmody.

Rev. Eugene Grimm, C.SS.R., the editor of the famous Centenary Edition of the Complete Ascetical Works of Saint Alphonsus, notes the following in his preface to his edition of the The Explanation of the Psalms and Canticles in the Divine Office [vol. 14]: “The Holy See has frequently praised and recommended all the works of St. Alphonsus; but the decree of March 23, 1871, which conferred on St. Alphonsus the title of Doctor of the Church, makes special mention of this work, speaking of it as one of his most useful and salutary works. The decree says: He [St. Alphonsus] has made clear dark passages of the Holy Scriptures, both in his ascetic writings, which are freighted with a celestial odor, and in a most salutary commentary, in which, for the nourishment of piety and the instruction of the soul, he has given expositions of the Psalms, as well as of the Canticles, for the benefit especially of those obliged to its recitation.”

In the same preface, Rev. Grimm acknowledges the edition of Rev. Thomas Livius as having been freely used in preparation of his own edition. Many readers, however, have commented that Rev. Livius’s edition is to be preferred to that of Rev. Grimm because of the different formats. While Rev. Grimm has the entire parallel Latin-English text of the Psalm followed by St. Alphonsus’s notes and commentary in the form of endnotes, Rev. Livius has the commentary and notes of the Saint follow each verse or verses concerned (which is in parallel Latin-English text). It is thus much easier to follow and there is no need to flipping pages back and forth.(Latin text is the Vulgate version-English text is that of the Douay translation, taken from The Book of Psalms Burns and Oates, 1878)

Saint Alphonsus follows the Roman Psalter as it existed at his time, i.e. the ancient Roman Psalter that preceded the reformed Psalter of Pope St. Pius X. Thus the arrangement of Psalms is much different in St. Alphonsus’s commentary than it is in the Roman Breviary. Also, the Canticles said in the first schema of Lauds are not present because they were an innovation of Pope St. Pius X’s reform. The Canticles said in the second schema of Lauds are present in the commentary because at the time they were the only ones in the Roman Psalter. Far from detracting from the value of the Saint’s commentary, however, it is a rare piece of liturgical history to which few now have access and it will increase appreciation for the reforms of Pope St. Pius X.

In a time when most modern commentators and editors debase the Psalter in theoretical, linguistic and historical controversies that hinder rather than assist Catholic piety, especially since heretical errors have de-contextualized the Psalter from its true Christocentric nature, the republication of this very important and rare work is a blessing. This is especially so for those who recite the Divine Office and Catholics who truly wish to study the Psalms as our Father and the Saints did and not as modern critics who lack traditional Catholic piety and faith.

Presented here in the larger crown quarto size (approx. 7 ½” by 9 5/8”), we know that this book will be a constant companion to your Breviary, biblical studies, or devotional meditations.

View Sample Pages

Ordering Options
Media Type:	Softcover Book
Dimensions:	7 1/2” X 9 5/8”
Stock Number:	GBS06
Price:	$24.99
Notes:	crown quarto size

This comprehensive Latin-English dictionary is offered as a two volume set. These hardbound tomes are constructed with .088” binder's board covered with navy blue Holliston Arrestox B grade linen featuring gold lettering on the spine. The endsheets are constructed from cream 80# stock. The text is printed on cream 50# vellum finish pages. We have posted a photo gallery below with close-up pictures of the interior and exterior of these volumes. Please refer to our full description of the Latin-English Dictionary for much more information on this exciting new addition to our library.

View Sample Pages

Ordering Options
Media Type:	Hardcover Book
Dimensions:	6" X 9"
Stock Number:	RBH01
Price:	$79.99
Notes:	Production time is 2 to 2 ½ weeks for hardcover books.
Image Gallery

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, 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.

Chapters are titled thus-

1) THE DIVINE OFFICE. What is is.
2) VALUE OF THE DIVINE OFFICE. What the Saints Say Regarding the Value of the Office.
3) THE OFFICE MUST BE A PLEASURE.
4) FAVORS WE ME ASK FOR IN THE DIVINE OFFICE.
5) WHY DO SOME PRIESTS SAY THEIR OFFICE BADLY?
6) PRIESTS ARE THEMSELVES TO BLAME.
7) A PRIEST WHO SAYS HIS OFFICE WELL IS A HOLY PRIEST; A PRIEST WHO SAYS HIS OFFICE BADLY IS A BAD PRIEST.
8) A PRIEST WHO SAYS HIS OFFICE BADLY IS AN UNHAPPY PRIEST

Pages 36-83 give detailed explanations and practical applications of the various prayers of the Divine Office.

9) HOW TO BEGIN THE OFFICE.
10) SPECIAL PARTS OF THE OFFICE.
11) THE GLORIA PATRI.
12) OUR FATHER.
13) THE HAIL MARY.
14) CREED.
15) CONFITEOR.
16) MISEREATUR.
17) TE DEUM.
18) MAGNIFICAT.
19) BENEDICTUS.
20) NUNC DIMITTIS.
21) HAIL HOLY QUEEN.

Lastly, pages 84-98 give excellent counsels from the saints on the Divine Office and its recital.

22) WHAT ST. ALPHONSUS TEACHES.
23) THE SAINTS AND THE DIVINE OFFICE.

The book is concluded by 2 pages that give 16 Golden Rules, which basically recapitulate of all that is taught in the previous 98 pages.

Father O’Sullivan does not treat the Psalms specifically. We highly recommend a book called “The Divine Office, Explanation of Psalms and Canticles” by the great Doctor St. Alphonsus Ligouri for a detailed exposition of the Psalms. (available on this website)

It is our hope that this book makes into the hands of every Priest, Seminarian, Religious, or lay man and woman who recites the blessed Canonical Hours. We can offer quantity discounts for orders of 10 or more copies and substantial quantity discounts for orders of over 25 copies. Please inquire at sales@churchlatin.com and specify your shipping address when inquiring.

View Sample Pages

Ordering Options
Media Type:	Softcover Book
Dimensions:	6" X 9"
Stock Number:	GBS05
Price:	$11.99