Both Word on Fire and Ascension Press have been selected to publish the 2nd Edition of the The Liturgy of the Hours in the United States. Press releases went out today.

From Word on Fire: 

Word on Fire Publishing, widely acclaimed for bringing beauty and excellence to Catholic publishing, has been officially selected by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as one of two publishers of the new Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition.

Also known as the Divine Office, the Liturgy of the Hours is the daily prayer of the Church, offered around the clock by clergy, religious, and laypeople throughout the world. The current edition of Liturgy of the Hours was translated and designed in the 1970s, and few changes have been made since then. But with the Vatican’s approval of a revised English translation, new editions are required—and Word on Fire aims to bring these sacred volumes to life with an unprecedented level of beauty, clarity, and craftsmanship.

“The Liturgy of the Hours is the Church’s highest prayer outside the Mass and sacraments,” said Brandon Vogt, Senior Publishing Director at Word on Fire. “We’ve spent the past three years introducing tens of thousands of Catholics to this rhythm of daily prayer through our monthly booklets. This four-volume series is the next step—a premium and durable edition that will draw countless more into the Church’s ancient prayer, day by day, hour by hour.”

And from Ascension Press, similar news:

For the first time in more than half a century, the Church in the U.S. will pray the Liturgy of the Hours in a new English translation. It’s not just another edition—it’s a chance to engage this prayer again… as if for the first time.

Visit the respective websites for more details and to join the waiting lists.

There’s no word yet on when, exactly, these new volumes will become available. Ascension Press has this helpful FAQ, which explains why the new edition is being published (in short: to bring it into conformity with the new Roman Missal):

What is changing?

  • Scripture – Psalms and Canticles now from The Abbey Psalms and Canticles; readings from the forthcoming revision of the New American Bible.
  • Antiphons – Gospel Canticle antiphons aligned with the three-year Lectionary; revised psalm antiphons.
  • Hymns – Nearly 300 Latin hymns translated into English for the first time with hymn tunes available in the Divine Office Hymnal.
  • Intercessions & Orations – Newly revised translations for accuracy and consistency.
  • Other Texts – Updated responsories, rubrics, versicles, introductions, and hagiographical introductions for the Proper of Saints.
  • U.S. Propers – Updated U.S. adaptations and a new appendix of optional Second Readings.

They also note that you can continue using the current edition until the USCCB announces the date of the changeover.

For those wondering: there’s no word yet about a one-volume new edition of Christian Prayer. Ascension notes:

The USCCB has not yet shared a timeframe of availability for the new translations in extracted editions such as Christian Prayer and Shorter Christian Prayer. Information about these editions will be shared when it is available.

You can read more about the background behind all this right here. 

FWIW: Don’t expect these volumes to be cheap. The lowest price for a current 4-volume set on Amazon (with covers of imitation leather) is $170. EWTN’s site has a leather-covered set advertised in its catalogue for $209.

I’m wondering when online versions will become available (for use on phone or tablet).