The Liturgy of the Hours. In a stunning new edition.

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.

Liturgy of the Hours

A historic moment.

For centuries, the Church has sanctified every hour of the day with psalms, hymns, and readings—the prayer we call the Liturgy of the Hours.

Now, after half a century, the new English translation of the Liturgy of the Hours is almost here—and Ascension was selected by the USCCB to be among the first to offer a beautiful new edition.

This is more than a book.

This is a once-in-a-generation moment to re-engage with the beautiful prayer of the Church.

Ascension's New four-volume Set for Liturgy of the Hours

What awaits you.

Set of books titled 'The Liturgy of the Hours' with colorful markers inside, arranged in a box.

Perfect for Everyday Use

Standard & Large Print Editions

Beautifully bound editions designed for everyday use.

  • Covers that speak of dignity and devotion
  • Clear, comfortable font sizes
  • Smyth-sewn binding designed to last through decades of prayer

Stunning, Heirloom Quality

Premium Edition

An heirloom-quality edition created with the finest materials and craftsmanship.

  • Premium top-grain goatskin leather cover with gold foil stamping and raised spine hubs
  • Gilded page edges and multiple satin ribbons, diagonally cut and adhered to the spine
  • Smyth-sewn binding for durability through years of daily prayer

Designed with Reverence

Typesetting & Artwork

The world’s finest artisans and designers—including the master typesetters at 2K/DENMARK—join together to ensure this new edition is as usable as it is beautiful.

  • Typesetting designed to maximize readability with optimized spacing and subtle navigational tabs
  • Artwork that is timeless in character and deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, enriching prayer without distraction

Flexible Options for your Needs

Group Discounts

By ordering together as a community, you can save while investing in a resource that will serve for years of daily prayer.

  • Provide your community with matching editions for shared prayer.
  • Support formation and study by outfitting seminarians and novices with editions they will carry into a lifetime of prayer.
1 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition

What is Liturgy of the Hours?

Liturgy of the Hours is the daily prayer of the Church. Rooted in Scripture, it sanctifies the hours of the day with prayer, readings, and hymns. Clergy and religious often pray it together, and the laity are encouraged to join in as they are able, whether individually, with family, or in parish groups.

Why is there a new edition?

The translation of Liturgy of the Hours is being revised in light of the 2001 Vatican document Liturgiam authenticam and the Roman Missal, Third Edition.

What is changing with the Second Edition?

The USCCB has been sharing detailed progress of development. In short:

  • 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.

Can I still use my current four-volume set of the Liturgy of the Hours?

Yes. You may continue praying with your current volumes until the USCCB announces a date when use of the new edition becomes required for those who are required to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

If I am required to pray the Liturgy of the Hours now, when will I be required to use the new edition?

The USCCB has not yet announced a date and will provide guidance when more information is available.

Will there be new extracted editions like the current Christian Prayer and Shorter Christian Prayer?

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.

How is the Liturgy of the Hours different from devotional booklets?

Many monthly booklets that include morning prayers, daily readings, and evening prayers are devotional aids. The Liturgy of the Hours, however, is the Church’s official prayer, prayed around the world each day. It includes the full psalms, hymns, readings, and prayers that make up the daily cadence of the Church’s prayer life.

How many volumes will the Second Edition include?

There will be four volumes, arranged similarly to the First Edition.

Will all four volumes be available at the same time?

No, volumes will be available one by one until all four volumes have been released.

The Four-Volume Set from Ascension

What can I expect from Ascension’s editions of Liturgy of the Hours?

Ascension’s editions of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition are crafted for beauty, durability, and ease of prayer. Each volume features expert typesetting by 2K/DENMARK for exceptional readability, timeless sacred artwork, and high-quality materials. Available in Standard, Large Print, and Premium formats, these editions combine reverent design and lasting craftsmanship to serve the Church’s daily prayer for years to come.

What formats will Ascension offer?

Ascension will offer Standard Leather, Large Print Leather, and Premium Leather editions.

How will Ascension’s edition be typeset?

Ascension is partnering with 2K/DENMARK, the world’s leading biblical typesetter, and the typesetter for the latest edition of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible. Their work ensures clarity, reverence, and beauty on every page.

Will the artwork be updated in Ascension’s edition?

Yes. Ascension has commissioned brand-new artwork that is timeless, beautiful, and rooted in Catholic tradition—designed to elevate prayer without distraction.

What will Ascension’s Premium Edition include?

An heirloom-quality edition with goatskin leather covers and calfskin liners, similar to the Premium Edition of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible.

Will there be an edition available in Spanish?

Since the USCCB has not confirmed a Spanish edition of the Liturgy of the Hours, any Spanish translation lawfully approved by another Conference of Bishops may be used. Ascension has available for sale the edition prepared by the episcopal Commission of Liturgical Pastoral Care of Mexico and the Episcopal Conference of Colombia.

What will be the price of Ascension’s editions?

Pricing has not yet been announced.

Where will Ascension's editions be available?

Ascension's editions of Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition will be available in English in the areas represented by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). This includes the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the areas under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese for Military Services worldwide.

When will Ascension’s editions be available?

USCCB submitted the completed manuscript of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition to the Holy See for confirmation on May 29, 2025. Once the completed manuscript receives confirmation from the Holy See, the USCCB will announce a release date to the public. Sign up to be notified as soon as details are announced!

Will a box set be available?

Yes. A box set including all four volumes will be available once all volumes are released.

Will bulk discounts be available for groups who order together?

Yes. Bulk discounts will be available for those ordering on behalf of parishes, seminaries, dioceses, or other communities.

Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding Ascension’s editions of Liturgy of the Hours?

Please e-mail us at support@ascensionpress.com or call our support team at (800) 376-0520.

Product photography is of prototype editions and is not final. Features are subject to change.

Video Resources