Holy Words: Praying the Liturgy of the Hours with St. Peter Faber

This essay argues, with reference to the Memoriale of St. Peter Faber, that proponents of Ignatian spirituality have much to glean from Faber’s devotion to the Liturgy of the Hours, specifically from his firm conviction in the power of praying it, his overwhelming desire to avoid distractions during recitation and to interiorize the prayer, and above all his affection for “holy words”—those of the Divine Office as well as those of the liturgy and Scripture more generally. Most importantly, the “holy words” serve for Faber as “revealers” of the spiritual movements within—and of God’s presence to and for—the praying Christian.