The primacy of the historicity of hagiographic readings in the book of the Liturgy of the Hours. Editorial issues

Abstract

Nine groups, the largest number for any one liturgical book, were established among those in the first series for the reform of Roman Office, or “Breviary,” as it was designated. These groups, numbered as designed in the general plan, were Group 1, the calendar; Group 2, revision of the Psalter; Group 3, distribution of the psalms; Group 4, biblical readings of the Office; Group 5, patristic readings; Group 6, hagiographic readings; Group 7, hymns; Group 8, chants of the Office; Group 9, general structure of the Divine Office. Both members and relators of Group 6 approved six principles to govern the selection of hagiographic readings. The principles, as presented by Fr. Agostino Amore, relator of Group 6, were the following: (1) Legends are to be expunged altogether; (2) true “acts” are to be used if available; (3) if acts are not available, an exposition from the Fathers regarding the saint will be used, or (4) a writing of the saint, if available, will be presented; (5) for saints of the Middle Ages or of modern times, a new reading, historically true and spirituality profitable, will be provided; and (6) at the beginning of a reading, in the manner of a rubric and as related to the reading, will be put some chronological and biographical elements regarding the saint.