Divine Office

As Lent approaches, the Church invites us into forty days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—an interior journey of returning to the Lord.

This year, we invite you to make the Liturgy of the Hours a simple, steady anchor for your Lenten days.

A simple Lenten commitment

Choose one Hour you can realistically pray most days:

• Morning Prayer to begin the day with God

• Evening Prayer to return your day to Him

• Night Prayer to rest in His mercy

• Office of Readings for deeper nourishment from Scripture and the Fathers of the Church

Even a few faithful minutes each day can shape the whole season.

Our plan for Lent

We’ll share 3–4 posts per week on social media Facebook, Instagram, Threads to help you stay grounded:

• A Sunday reflection to set the week’s focus

• A midweek prompt to keep momentum

• A Friday penitential encouragement

• A rotating invitation to Evening Prayer, Night Prayer, or the Office of Readings

A kind Lenten offering

Lent is also a season of generosity. If you’re able, consider making your Lenten almsgiving part of a mission that helps others pray.

In 2026, our priorities include:

• Continuing our work toward a Spanish version of the Liturgy of the Hours (texts, recording, and platform support)

• Pursuing the permissions needed to record the new official U.S. English translation when it becomes available

• Ongoing improvements that sustain Divine Office for the global community

If you feel called to help, you can contribute here:

Contribute

Whether you’re praying with us for the first time or you’ve been part of this community for years: thank you. Let’s walk into Lent together—one day, one Hour at a time.

February 17

Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

Optional Memorail

Today is the optional memorial of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order. These young men; Bonfilius, Bonajuncta, Amideus, Hugh, Manettus, Soseneus, and Alexius, founded this order in 1240 after repeated apparitions from the Mother of God. The Servites strive towards personal sanctification, world evangelism, and an increase in Marian devotion as emphasized during her sorrow at the Lord’s Passion.[1]

The Servite Order grew very quickly; creating homes throughout eastern and western Europe, South Asia, and eventually North America. Servites endure to this day with members as First, Second, and Third Order Regulars. Many have gone on to reach academic distinction in the fields of theology, the arts, canon law, philosophy, history and sacred scripture. Prayerfully their devotions include The Rosary of the Seven Dolours and the Via Matris.[1][2]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
[1] The Catholic Encyclopedia, New Advent ed. s.v. “Order of Servites.”
[2] Ibid.
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate these Saints as you worship Christ.