A MODERN TRANSLATION OF THE
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM
The RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM (Rationale for the Divine Offices) was written by Guillaume Durandus (William Durand), Bishop of Mende, in the latter part of the 13th century. Durandus was a well-respected French canonist and liturgical writer who spent much time at the pontifical court. He attended the Second Council of Lyons with Pope Gregory X and assisted in the drawing up of its resolutions.
From the time of publication this work has been highly esteemed. Today it is regarded as the primary authority on liturgy yet, in spite of this, the complete work consisting of eight books, is only now becoming available to the English reader.
Translated by Janet Gentles, with Prefaces for each volume by Rev. Dr. David Kuck, An ordained Lutheran minister who earned a Ph.D. from Yale University in New Testament Studies
Our publication consists of six volumes with a seventh containing the indices.
'This modern translation of the Rationale Divinorum Officiorum will be a valuable resource for monastic establishments, cathedrals and all institutions where the Office is celebrated. There is a wealth of richness in this work and so few people are exposed to the Office in all its glory.'
Mary Luke, CHC
Mother Superior
Community of the Holy Cross
Each volume can be purchased individually from Amazon (see links below).
If you would like to purchase the FULL SET OF VOLUMES or LARGE QUANTITIES at a
DISCOUNTED PRICE please contact us.
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM, VOL. I
Author’s Preface
Book I - The Church and its Parts
In his Preface Durandus points to the importance of the clergy having a sound understanding of the Offices and explains the various levels of spiritual interpretation the work presents.
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM, VOL. II
Book II - Ministers, ecclesiastical dignities and their duties
Book III - The Sacred Vestments
In Book Two the ten ministries are examined. Book Three explains the vestments of priests, bishops and other officials.
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM, VOL. III
Book IV - The Mass and its Mysteries
Over fifty-nine chapters the Mass and all which occurs during it is examined in great detail.
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM, VOL. IV
Book V -The Divine Offices
Examines the Canonical Hours observed within monastic communities
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM, VOL. V
Book VI - The Liturgical Year
Through one hundred and forty-three chapters Durandus carries his readers through the liturgical year.
(The hardcover version of this volume is split into 2 books. Links to hardbacks: Part 1 and Part 2)
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM, VOL. VI
Book VII - The Festivals of Saints
Book VIII - Computation and the Calendar
Book Seven presents a number of holy days and solemn feast days.
Book Eight provides instruction of the calendar.
RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM, VOL. VII
The Indices
List of chapters with book and page numbers.
Summaries of the nearly 3,000 paragraphs the work contains.
Find out more about the RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM on these pages:
Join me on a journey into the past. As we step back through time the centuries roll away. We pass the Reformation and eventually find ourselves in the 13th century. (more)
UNDERSTANDING THE RATIONALE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
The RATIONALE DIVINORUM OFFICIORUM is a very large and important work which can be approached in several different ways. It is therefore useful to consider the nature of this work, its structure and its importance for Christians today. (more)
THE CELEBRANT INCENSES THE ALTAR (Rationale Book IV, Chapter 10)
1. The kiss of peace given, the bishop or the priest, receiving the censer from the hands of the deacon, incenses the consecrated altar, because Christ, who took a body by the generation of the prophets, (more)
OF THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT, OR THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION
(Rationale, Book VI, Chapter 60)
1. Then follows the Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, or of the Cross. Now, the Sunday of the Passion begins at the end of Saturday, that is to say at the Vespers which precede the day of this Sunday, because, Lazarus (more)
FULL LIST OF RATIONALE CHAPTER TITLES