POPE URBAN VIII

The divine chanting of psalms original: "psalmodiam," referring to the Divine Office, the daily cycle of prayers and psalms recited by clergy. by which the Church—the Bride—consoles herself in this earthly exile while away from her heavenly Groom, should be without wrinkle or stain. Since this earthly song is the daughter of that heavenly music Hymnodia: the eternal singing of praises which is sung ceaselessly before the throne of God and the Lamb, it must strive to resemble it as closely as possible. It should contain nothing, as far as is possible, that might distract or lead away the minds of those praying from God and holy things, as befits such a devotion. Such distractions occur when there are phrases or words not arranged as aptly or harmoniously as such a great work of service and ministry requires.

These were the reasons that previously prompted our predecessors, the Supreme Pontiffs of happy memory, Pius V—who brought the Roman Breviary (which at that time was inconsistent and lacked clear rules) under a fixed and established method of prayer—and Clement VIII, who restored that same text to its former beauty after it had been corrupted over time and by the carelessness of printers.

We, too, have been led to this same conclusion by our own concern for sacred matters—which we consider the primary and best part of our duty—as well as by the opinions and desires of pious and learned men. They complained that the Breviary contained many things that had either lost their original luster or were left unfinished rather than completed by others, and they desired that we finally set a finishing hand to the work. Therefore, we have devoted diligent effort to this task. By our command, several learned and wise men have applied themselves seriously to it. Through their diligence and study, the work has been completed—one that we hope original: "spera-", part of "speramus" (we hope) will be pleasing to all and honorable to God and the Holy Church—