Breviary vs. Diurnal

Attribute	Breviary	Diurnal
Definition	A liturgical book containing the public or canonical prayers, hymns, Psalms, readings, and notations for the Divine Office of the Roman Catholic Church.	A book containing the daily office of the Roman Catholic Church, including the Psalms, prayers, and readings for each day.
Usage	Used by clergy, religious orders, and laity for daily prayer and worship.	Used by clergy, religious orders, and laity for daily prayer and worship.
Contents	Contains the complete Divine Office, including all the prayers, Psalms, readings, and hymns for each day.	Contains the daily office, including Psalms, prayers, and readings for each day, but may not include the complete Divine Office.
Size	Typically larger and more comprehensive than a Diurnal.	Typically smaller and more compact than a Breviary.

Overview

Both the Breviary and the Diurnal are important liturgical books used in the Catholic Church for the praying of the Divine Office. The Divine Office is a set of prayers and readings that are to be said at various times throughout the day. While both the Breviary and Diurnal serve this purpose, they have some key differences in terms of content, structure, and usage.

Content

The Breviary contains the complete set of prayers and readings for the Divine Office, including the Psalms, hymns, antiphons, and readings for each hour of the day. It also includes additional prayers and devotions for various liturgical seasons and feast days. On the other hand, the Diurnal is a simplified version of the Breviary, containing only the essential prayers and readings for the daytime hours of the Divine Office. It does not include the full set of Psalms or the additional prayers found in the Breviary.

Structure

The Breviary is typically divided into different sections for each hour of the Divine Office, such as Matins, Lauds, Vespers, and Compline. Each section includes the specific prayers and readings to be said at that particular hour. In contrast, the Diurnal is usually structured to include the prayers and readings for the daytime hours only, such as Lauds, Terce, Sext, None, and Vespers. It does not include the prayers for Matins or Compline, which are found in the Breviary.

Usage

The Breviary is often used by clergy, religious, and laypeople who wish to pray the full Divine Office throughout the day. It is a comprehensive resource that provides all the necessary prayers and readings for each hour. On the other hand, the Diurnal is more commonly used by laypeople and those who may not have the time or ability to pray the full Divine Office. It offers a simplified version of the prayers and readings for the daytime hours, making it more accessible for daily use.

Accessibility

Due to its comprehensive nature, the Breviary can be quite large and cumbersome to carry around, especially for those who need to pray the Divine Office while traveling or on the go. In contrast, the Diurnal is typically smaller and more portable, making it easier to use in various settings. Its simplified format also makes it more user-friendly for those who may be new to praying the Divine Office.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Breviary and Diurnal serve important roles in the praying of the Divine Office within the Catholic Church. While the Breviary offers a complete and comprehensive resource for all the prayers and readings of the Divine Office, the Diurnal provides a more accessible and simplified version for those who may not be able to commit to the full Office. Ultimately, the choice between the Breviary and Diurnal depends on individual preferences, needs, and abilities when it comes to praying the Divine Office.