![divine office universalis divine office universalis](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMxlZAfFst8/XGqhHRIx4aI/AAAAAAAAEIg/JHONk8z3ex4FTwkJWIhA52XHj27oflUewCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DznshI2WoAAMQR_.jpg)
I hope not to sound reproving when I acknowledge that the ability to get into a strict prayer regimen is tough on nearly all of us. And guess what? Your phone can remind you that it’s time to pray with a subtle alarm! At lunch, on the bus or train, waiting to pick up my kids from school-whatever-the prayers are available in a couple swipes and taps. Somewhat similar to the first point I make, since I take my phone with me nearly everywhere, there my prayers are, too. However hilarious that is, it can be a job to move those ribbons around and if it’s too much, the smartphone apps are a sensational solution: tap once and everything is right there in front of you to read, reflect and respond to. Thus, the priest’s sanctity and devotions are insured. In some circles of priest and seminarians, there is a thing known as “ribbon insurance.” The story goes that went a priest dies, the first thing the bishop asks for is his breviary, to check to be sure the ribbons are kept up to date. If you’ve ever browsed or used the Divine Office books, you know it can be a bit of an undertaking to get every ribbon set, only for them to change the next day. If you can stay distraction free, the phone can be an incredible way to link resources and pull together a more immersive study alongside your prayer time. Imagine that you want to know other writings from that slick Office of Readings selection, or want to share a special quote or stanza to your favorite social media. You can’t do any of these with a book. Imagine not being sure which page to start on, or what liturgical day it is. That was the title of a point I made in the other post. (Although, I don’t want my phone to get wet, either!) The apps, on the other hand, are already in my phone that I already have with me. I admit that sometimes, rather than bring my bulky and heavy book on a camping trip, or my beautiful leatherbound set on a multiday trek around Rome or other special pilgrimage locations, I’d rather have a form of the Office that isn’t going to take up much space and that I don’t have to worry about getting soaked or ripped. But “every day” is not conducive to the book form. The apps are virtually weightless and take up zero space.Īs I said in my previous post, as a member of the Dominican tertiary (third order), I elect to pray the Divine Office every day.
![divine office universalis divine office universalis](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/52/ec/4e52ecab450a3abd304b2738c24104fe.jpg)
Even though my personal preference is for the books, the apps offer serious advantages. In April 2019 I wrote Why I Still Prefer the Divine Office Book, Over the Apps - and no, I didn’t trash the apps. I said that in the companion post to this one because it’s still true. And the 15 seconds before mealtime does not count!” But Brother Dewell begged Father Larive not to forget his aim of starting a mission in Malmesbury.A wise and gracious priest used to remind our congregation, at least once a month: “The family that prays together, says together. As regards starting a mission in Malmesbury, Bishop of Clifton told Father Larive to wait, and the Order also wrote to him not to start any new mission in England because of the financial restrains that the order was facing. Father Larive went to Chippenham and from there, started a mission in Devizes, and Captain Dewell entered the Jesuit novitiate and became a lay brother. It was a bitter disappointment for captain Dewell to find on his arrival, in May 1861, that his house had contrary to his instructions been let on a 5 year lease which would not expire until 1866. Captain Dewell decided to resign his commission and the two left India and travelled to Malmesbury. The English officer dreamed of starting a mission in his native town, and requested Fr.
![divine office universalis divine office universalis](http://steverholmes.org.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Universalis-SS.png)
Providentially, Caption Dewell had met Father Larive and gradually made acquaintance with him. It so happened that near that village, the Wiltshire Regiment was encamped and Captain Dewell whose home was in Malmesbury and who had recently been received into the Catholic Church was leading the regiment. Francis de Sales was sent from Annecy the Mother house to a village called Kamptee in India. In June 1848, a young French Priest of the order of Missionaries of St. The story of catholic faith here in Malmesbury is an interesting one.