Introducing the New Liturgy of the Hours

On 25 June 2026 Ascension Press released a four‑volume edition of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church’s official daily prayer that dates back farther than the New Testament. The set updates the centuries‑old prayer book with a fresh English translation and, for the first time, original sacred artwork that underpins the prayer’s beauty and meaning.

Artistic Vision Rooted in Benedict XVI

The artwork is the work of Ruth Stricklin, a modern sacred artist who grew up amid the rugged Alaska Range. Stricklin’s aesthetic follows the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger), who taught that beauty “wounds” the soul, opening the heart to truth. Her murals and illustrations, created through New Jerusalem Studios, appear on the new volumes and echo the ancient liturgical tradition while speaking to contemporary believers.

Features of the Second‑Edition Translation

This second‑edition translation adds eight ribbons of color for easy navigation, revised antiphons, and nearly three hundred Latin hymns rendered into English for the first time. The text aligns closely with the original Latin and incorporates the forthcoming Catholic American Bible and updated U.S. propers. Leading designers Klaus Krogh and 2K Denmark handled the typesetting, and the books are printed on durable, beautiful materials designed for daily use.

Support for Religious Communities

Recognizing the financial impact of the new edition, Ascension Press launched an Assistance Fund to help priests, religious orders, and seminaries acquire the set. The fund invites lay supporters to contribute, emphasizing the communal nature of the Liturgy of the Hours as the prayer of the whole Church, not just private devotion.

Prayer for All

Father Mike Schmitz, featured in an Ascension Presents video, describes the Liturgy of the Hours as “the official prayer of the Church,” inviting even busy laypeople to join with Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Evening Prayer (Vespers). The set’s design encourages participation without demanding many hours of time, supporting both clergy and families in their daily rhythm of prayer.

Looking Ahead

The new volumes will begin shipping in January 2027, with Volume II used first on Ash Wednesday, 10 February 2027. The full set will be required for use beginning 3 December 2028, marking a historic renewal of the Church’s prayer life in the United States.