← [[session-12-asp|OCDS Rites and Preparation for Admission to Formation]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[bibliography-asp|Bibliography]] → # Special Session: Review and Practice of the Liturgy of the Hours “Vocal prayer must be accompanied by reflection. A prayer in which a person is not aware of to Whom he is speaking, what he is asking, who it is who is asking and of Whom, I don’t call prayer... no matter how much the lips may move.” — St Teresa of Avila Required Reading: OCDS Abbreviated General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours (GILH) and Commentary (Appendix E) Additional Reading: Entire GILH; CCC 1174 – 1178; A Companion to the Liturgy of the Hours, by Shirley Darcus Sullivan (the LOH from a Carmelite perspective); Acts 10 – God often speaks to us during our regular hours of prayer Essential Points to Discuss: • Candidates are expected to use the printed book for the Liturgy of the Hours. Avoid using electronic versions unless compelled by unavoidable circumstances. • Structure: Briefly go over the elements of the LOH (Abbrev GILH 41-54; 1. Sanctifying the Day, pg 14). • Pacing and harmony: There should be a slight pause at the end of each line and a longer pause after the reading (Abbrev GILH 104). Normally the leader and the cantors set the pace. It is important to resist the impulse to follow one’s own tempo. Strive to develop a “communal ear” and harmonize with the tempo of the community. This is arguably the most important and most challenging skill to learn in community recitation of the LOH. • Gestures and postures: Review when to sit or stand and when to make the Sign of the Cross. In private recitation it is permissible to sit throughout, but one should still make the Sign of the Cross when indicated (Abbrev GILH 263-266). • Practice together praying the LOH of the day. The formator should pause the liturgy and correct/direct as needed. • Correct use of the propers and commons. This takes time to learn thoroughly. Candidates are encouraged to review this information every time there is a special liturgical day or season until it becomes second nature (Abbrev GILH 225-241; 4. Figuring out Seasons, Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials pg 15-18). • In preparation for this session, the candidates are to practice finding the correct parts for the following celebrations. Perfection is not expected. They should note where they had difficulties or confusion and discuss them with the formator during the session. ° A Sunday in Ordinary Time ° A weekday in Advent ° St Cecilia, Nov 22 (standard memorial) ° St Martin of Tours, Nov 11 (memorial with antiphons in the proper) ° St Matthias, May 14 (feast without all parts in the proper) ° Visitation, May 31 (feast with all parts in the proper) ° The Immaculate Conception, Dec 8 (solemnity) 18 01.24 1-24-2024Special Session - LOTH ° Sacred Heart (movable solemnity of Our Lord, found in the proper of the seasons) ° St John the Evangelist Dec 27 (note that it is morning prayer only) ° Evening prayer for Dec 27 (found in the proper of the seasons) Private meditative reading: • The day’s reading from either Morning or Evening Prayer • One of the day’s psalms that spoke to the heart during Morning Prayer • Philippians 4:8 – “think upon these things” • Revelations 4 – the heavenly liturgy of praise Note to the formator: Praying the Liturgy of the Hours takes many years to master. Encourage patient perseverance. The most important point is to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with attentive love in union with Christ and his Church. Note to the Council: If desired, it is acceptable to have a member who is proficient in the Liturgy of the Hours assist the regular formator for this session. Further, this session may be used at any stage of formation, as the local Council discerns the need. It is recommended that the Director of Formation assign a mentor who can assist those desiring extra help with the LOH. 19 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).