William durand divine office book 54/27/2024 ![]() The Rationale Divinorum Officiorum is arguably the most important medieval treatise on the symbolism of church architecture and rituals of worship. ![]() ![]() This is a must read for anyone interested in art history, symbolism and the Medieval world or who simply wishes to understand the Medieval roots out of which Christian practice has arisen today. ![]() In this work, Durandus, and essays explaining and discussing his work by these scholars who translated his opus from Latin, lead us into an understanding of how the architecture, sacraments, and vestments of the priests symbolize and lead both laity and clergy toward spiritual purification and progression in the inner life. In this fully illustrated edition, Durandus’ work is brought to life by a plethora of pictures showing relevant churches, artifacts, and raiment-nearly all from the 12th and 13th centuries, that clarify and illustrate the text, and which are set against modern photographs of the church and its rites today.Ī connection is demonstrated between the past and present which allows us with vividness to trace the roots of our spiritual practice while providing attention to scholarly detail and exploration of the symbolism of a living spirituality. In the world today, where so many are searching for and exploring the roots of Christian spirituality and practice, Durandus’ words ring as true for us as they did in his own time.ĭurandus’ Rationale remains the standard authority for the ritual of the thirteenth century church and for the spiritual significance of the art, architecture, holy rites, sacraments, and vestments used therein. His work on sacred symbolism addressed this dilemma for the clergy and thus laity of his own time-and now does so, for ours. To hardly have any understanding of things they dailyĮngage in, pertaining to the practices of the Church ‘How sad, in these times there are many who seem In 1284 C.E., the renowned canonist and liturgical writer, William Durandus, wrote: This beautifully illustrated publication of Durandus’ Rationale brings us the most complete Medieval treatise of its kind with all the richness and depth of the living, enduring tradition about which he wrote. He also clarifies the mystical significance of the chancel site, the glazed windows and pillars, the bell and its clapper, the altar cloths, and how the steps leading up to the altar refer both to Jacob’s Ladder and to the degrees in worshippers’ hearts. Claiming architects should be filled with the spirit of faith and knowledge of the meanings of all structural details and designs of the church, the author illuminates the meanings of the physical elements like the nave, the altar, the cross, and bells. Providing the meanings that were originally associated with the art, architecture, rites, and vestments of the Church, this account transforms the worship experience by teaching what certain elements are used and why they are used. It served as an encyclopedic compendium and textbook for liturgists and remains an indispensable guide for understanding the significance of medieval ecclesiastical art and worship ceremonies. Written by the French bishop William Durand of Mende (1230-1296), the treatise is ranked with the Bible as one of the most frequently copied and disseminated texts in all of medieval Christianity. The Rationale Divinorum Officiorum is arguably the most important medieval treatise on the symbolism of church architecture and rituals of worship. “One of the most important medieval books on divine worship.” – Encyclopedia Brittanica
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