URBAN

POPE VIII

For the perpetual memory of the matter.

original: "Ad perpetuam rei memoriam" — a standard opening phrase for papal documents intended to have lasting legal force.

The divine psalmody The practice of singing or reciting the Psalms as part of public worship. of the Bride The Church is traditionally referred to as the "Bride of Christ." as she comforts herself in this exile during her absence from her heavenly Bridegroom, should be without wrinkle or stain. Indeed, since it is the daughter of that heavenly hymnody The singing of hymns or sacred songs. which is sung unceasingly before the Throne of God and the Lamb, it should come forth as similar to that heavenly song as possible. It ought to present nothing that could call away or distract the minds of the singers from God and divine things, to which they should be rightly attentive. Such distractions occur when sentences or words are sometimes found that are not arranged as aptly or harmoniously as the requirements of such a great and significant work of devotion and service demand.

These were the reasons that once moved our predecessors, the Supreme Pontiffs of happy memory, Pius V and Clement VIII, to act. Pius V bound the Roman Breviary The liturgical book containing the public daily prayers, hymns, and readings of the Catholic Church.—which at that time was wandering through uncertain rules—to a certain and fixed method of praying. Later, Clement VIII restored that same book to its former beauty after it had been corrupted by the passage of time and the negligence of printers.

We also have been drawn to this same goal, both by our own concern for sacred matters—which we consider the primary and best part of our duty—and by the judgments and wishes of pious and learned men. They complained that the Breviary contained not a few things that had either lost their original brilliance or were left unfinished rather than perfected by others, and they certainly desired that the final finishing touch be applied by Us. We have therefore devoted diligent effort to this matter, and by our command several learned and wise men have contributed their serious care. Through their diligence and zeal, the work is now completed, which we hope will be pleasing to all and honorable to God and the holy Church...

original: "ſpera-" from "speramus" (we hope).