The liturgy of the hours: an examination of some of their influences on the liturgy of the hours with particular reference to the breviary of cardinal quinones. (quignon)

Abstract

This thesis examines the influence of the Breviaries of Quignon (1535, 1536) on the "Liturgy of the Hours', the modern Roman Breviary, published in the English edition in 1974.The Introduction traces the events which led up to the publication both of Quignon's Breviaries and the Liturgy of the Hours and an examination of their respective aims. The opposition to and final proscription of Quignon's Breviaries are described. Throughout the thesis the influence and development of the revision of the Breviary of Pius X(1911) are also noted in relation to the Liturgy of the Hours. Chapter I begins by looking at the theories of notable scholars about the origins of the Divine Office, and then goes on to examine the structure of the constituent parts and content of each Hour. Chapters II and III deal respectively with Hymnody and Psalmody and their relation to each of the Hours. The distribution of the Psalter is discussed in some detail. Chapter IV is concerned with the use of Canticles from all parts of Scripture as well as the gospels. In this chapter an excursus is included on Canticles found in the liturgical revisions of the Church of England and the work of the Joint Liturgical Group. Chapter V treats of the Lectionary and Chapter VI of the Collects. The Thesis ends with a chapter in which the following conclusions are drawn four factors have conspired to give the Liturgy of the Hours its present shape. Firstly, the retention of material traditional to the Office; secondly, the expansion of traditional ideas; thirdly, the development of material that is unique to the Liturgy of the Hours as a result of the changed aims and requirements of the Office; and lastly, the particular influence of the Quignon Breviaries.