Breviaries, also known as breviariums, are religious books that contain the prayers, hymns, psalms, and other liturgical texts recited by clergy and religious communities. Derived from the Latin word "breviarium," which means a condensed summary or compendium, breviaries serve as a concise version of the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, which consist of the prayers and meditations performed throughout the day by members of religious orders.
Typically used by priests, monks, and nuns, breviaries are portable and compact, allowing individuals to easily carry them and refer to the appropriate prayers at different times of the day or during specific religious celebrations. These books often follow a standardized structure, beginning with the prayers for the morning or Matins, followed by Lauds (prayers at dawn), Prime (early morning prayers), Terce (mid-morning prayers), Sext (noon prayers), None (mid-afternoon prayers), Vespers (evening prayers), and Compline (night prayers).
Breviaries may also contain additional prayers, devotions, and readings specific to the particular religious order, such as saints' feasts or commemorative days. These texts are typically written in Latin, although versions in the vernacular language have been developed to accommodate wider audiences.
Over the centuries, breviaries have evolved in terms of layout and content, adapting to changes within the liturgy and the needs of the faithful. In modern times, however, the advent of electronic resources and applications has made the breviary available in digital formats, allowing for easy access and adaptation to individuals' personal preferences and modern technological devices.
