Q: I would value your insights on how laity, priests, deacons, and religious communities should handle obtaining the new translation of the Liturgy of the Hours. As a member of a large community of priests and brothers in a religious order, many of us received our current breviaries during theology studies or as gifts. Replacing them will be costly, with prices for the four-volume set ranging from about $264 to over $900, depending on the edition and publisher. My main concern is the best way to acquire the new four-volume sets or digital editions of the updated translation. Are diocesan bishops helping their priests and deacons by providing bulk-order discounts? What about women and men religious? The expense of printed editions could be prohibitive for some.
==
A: Some groups have pre-ordered in bulk to help with the expenses. Others would need to contact the two publishers directly to see what funding options are available.
The four-volume set is expensive, But I’ve received over 50 years of service out of the four volumes I bought when I was in the seminary. The people who edit and produce the books deserve to be paid a fair wage.
Digital editions will eventually become available, but these may not be released until all four volumes are in print. That will certainly be more cost-effective for the user, and no one is obliged to use the new translation until Advent 2028.
View All Blog Posts | Explore Books | Submit a Blog Question | Share Post via Email