"Reign over us, Most Holy Mother of God, and teach us how to make the Heart of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, reign and triumph in us even as He has reigned and triumphed in thee."
Opening Prayer
It is laudable, before saying any Hour or group of Hours, to say the Church's indulgenced opening and dedicatory prayer, called the Aperi Domine
| Name of Office | Times |
| Opening Prayer for all Hours | |
| Matins - Morning Prayer | 0500-0800 (0600) |
| Prime - 2nd Morning Prayer | 0500-0800 (0600) |
| Terce - Mid-Morning Prayer | 0830-1000 (0900) |
| Sext - Mid-Day Prayer | 1130-1300 (Noon) |
| None - Mid-Afternoon Prayer | 1430-1600 (1500) |
| Vespers - Evening Prayer | 1630-1900 (1800) |
| Compline - Night Prayer | 1930-2200 (2000) |
What is The Little Office of the Immaculate Conception?
The Little Office of the Immaculate Conception is a devotion that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary. This devotion has the form of the Divine Office -- and Little Office of the Blessed Virgin. It consists of prayers, hymns, versicles, and responsaries, but does not contain any of psalms. As a result, it is much shorter than even the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary (see link at the bottom of this page), which may make it more accessible to the laity. Information on the origins of this Little Office is scant. However, it is known that it was composed near the end of the 15th Century and confirmed by The Holy See in 1615.
Although defined times are given for each Office, these are only listed to serve as a guide and for perspective. The Offices can be read or recited at whatever time is best for each individual situation.
How is The Little Office recited?
Individually
The Office may be read or recited individually, and this web page was created with this purpose in mind. When done individually, everything is read or said -- even portions that seem fragmentary or repetitive.
Two or More ("Chorally," "in choir")
When two or more recite the Office together, then the recitation normally proceeds according to a pattern of alternation.
The Aperi Domine and Sacrosanctae are said kneeling.
All bow, if they are standing or sitting: At the initial Hail Mary, and at the last Our Father (Hail Mary, Creed) if any; whenever the Glory be to the Father occurs; at the last stanza of the Hymns; at the close of the Orations. Other instances of kneeling, rising, bowing, making the small or the large sign of the cross, etc, are indicated in the due course of the Hours.
Abbreviations used are:
O. for Officiant or presiding leader.
V. for Versicles.
R. for Responories.
A partial indulgence is granted for the faithful who recite the Office "...devoutly and with a contrite heart."
For those who do not have a clear understanding on indulgences, please see the above link to the New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. These are listed because they exist and they acknowledge the recognition of the relative merit of the good work. Otherwise, if you pray from the heart, that is, for the love and praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, then who is counting?
Please send comments and suggestions to: jdri63@lobvm.us
This web page is based upon the information found in "The Golden Manuel: Being A Guide to Catholic Devotion, Public and Private" (1850), London: Burns and Lambert (available in Google Books).
Prayer: O my Jesus, we love You. And we love and honor your dear Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please help us to follow your command to pray without ceasing. May The Little Office of the Immaculate Conception be a means to this divine mission, may it bring honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and may we be assisted by her intercessions. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
