⚠The text on this page appears as a mirror image, likely due to show-through from the recto side of the leaf or a scan of the verso side. The transcription below reflects the intended reading of the text.

ROMAN

BREVIARY

BY DECREE

of the Most Holy Council of Trent restored,

The Council of Trent (1545–1563) sought to standardize Catholic worship across the world, leading to a unified version of the prayer book.

OF PIUS V, SUPREME PONTIFF,

published by order

AND

OF CLEMENT VIII,

First, and now once again

OF URBAN VIII,

revised by authority.

These three Popes were responsible for the major revisions of the liturgy in the 16th and 17th centuries to ensure accuracy and consistency.

In which all things are set out at length in their proper places

for the greater convenience of those reciting the prayers.

Older breviaries often required the reader to flip between different sections of the book; "at length" (ad longum) indicates that the prayers are printed in full to make them easier to follow.

WINTER PART.

original: "Pars Hiemalis." Because the full Breviary was too bulky for daily travel, it was often split into four seasonal volumes. This book contains the prayers for the season beginning with Advent.

A rectangular framed engraving, appearing mirrored and faint. It depicts a religious scene, likely related to the liturgical season of winter (Pars Hiemalis), such as the Nativity or the Adoration of the Shepherds.

FROM THE PLANTIN PRINTING HOUSE

The Plantin-Moretus Press in Antwerp was one of the most prestigious printers in Europe, holding the "monopoly" for printing official Church texts for many years.

1705.

original: "M. DCC. V." Sold in Florence at the sign of...? original: "Veneunt Florentiæ ad insignia." This marginal note indicates the specific bookseller in Florence where this copy could be purchased.

Breviary (Breviarium): The official book of the Catholic Church containing the daily "Divine Office"—a schedule of psalms, hymns, and readings performed by priests and monks throughout the day.

Council of Trent: A major meeting of Church leaders held in the mid-1500s that defined modern Catholic doctrine and standardized the Latin Mass and the Breviary.

Plantin Printing House (Officina Plantiniana): A world-famous printing firm based in Antwerp, Belgium, known for its high-quality typography and beautiful engravings.