Sacred Congregation for Rites, 1883 – elevation of the feast of guardian angels + votive office of angels (ASS 16)

Decreto da Sacra Congregação dos Ritos de 5 de julho de 1883

The Decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, dated July 5, 1883, approved by Pope Leo XIII, elevated the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels (October 2) from “duplex minor” to “duplex maior” in the universal liturgy. It also established the Votive Office of the Angels for Feria II (Monday), representing the first magisterial liturgical systematization of weekly angelic worship.

Contexto Histórico

On July 28, 1882, Pope Leo XIII issued Apostolic Letters “Cum Ecclesia” altering the General Rubric of the Roman Breviary (Tit. X De Translatione Festorum), restricting the translation of minor double and semidouble feasts. This reform left “sedes liberae” (free places) in the calendar that needed to be filled. On July 5, 1883, the Sacred Congregation of Rites published a supplementary decree regulating:

1. A elevação da festa dos Anjos Custódios (2 de outubro) e São Paulo (30 de junho) a duplex maior;
2. A introdução do Ofício Votivo dos Anjos para feria II;
3. Outras disposições litúrgicas sobre festas dos Santos.

Texto Latino Original (ASS 16, pp. 47-48)

Through the Apostolic Letters in brief form issued previously on July 28 of the previous year, the Most Holy Lord Our Leo XIII, confirming the decision of the Sacred Congregation of Rites established by him, added several Saints and even Blesseds to the Universal Calendar of the Church as well as to the Particular Calendar of the City, so that there might be ‘sedes liberae’ (free places) in both calendars for the introduction of new offices.

A general indult is granted both to chapters and ecclesiastical communities and to each member of the clergy, to celebrate Votive Offices annually in place of Ferial Offices, except on ferias, Ash Wednesday, throughout the time of Passiontide and the Sacred Advent, from December 17 to 24.

The offices of this votive type, corresponding almost to the Daily Offices of the Roman Mass, are assigned for each day of the week as follows: for Feria II, of the Angels; Feria III, of the Holy Apostles (in Rome, of Ss. Peter and Paul); Feria IV, of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patron of the Catholic Church; Feria V, of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist; Feria VI, of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ; Saturday, of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The feast of the Commemoration of Saint Paul the Apostle on June 30th and that of the Holy Guardian Angels on October 2nd will be elevated from the rank of “duplex minor” to that of “duplex maior” for the Universal Church.

From the Apostolic Letter in the form of a Brief issued on July 28th of the previous year, His Holiness Pope LEON XIII, confirming the decision of the Special Congregation for Rites by him established, after adding certain Offices of Saints and Blessed to the Universal Church Calendar and to the Particular Calendar of the City [of Rome], with the aim of having free seats in both Calendars for the introduction of new offices, decided to modify the General Rubric of the Roman Breviary Tit. X On the Translation of Feasts…

I. General Indult is granted to all Chapters and Ecclesiastical Communities, as well as to each member of the clergy, to fulfill Votive Offices during the year in place of Ferial Offices, except on Fast Days, Ash Wednesday, throughout the Passion Time, and from Advent 17th to 24th December inclusive…

The type of annual Votive Offices, corresponding almost exactly to the Votive Masses established in the Roman Missal, are assigned for each day of the week: Feria II [Monday] of the Angels, Ferial III of the Holy Apostles (in Rome however of Saints Peter and Paul), Ferial IV of Saint Joseph Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patron of the Catholic Church, Ferial V of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, Ferial VI of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Saturday of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Feast of the Celebration of Saint Paul Apostle on June 30th and that of the Holy Angels Custodians on October 2nd are elevated from the Duplex minor rite to the Duplex major rite for the whole Universal Church.

The Votive Office of the Angels for Feria II:

The 1883 decree established a weekly structure for Votive Offices:

This systematization showed that each day of the week has its own spiritual dimension. Monday, as the Day of Angels, endured until the post-Vatican II liturgical calendar reform in 1969.

Elevation of the Feast of the Holy Angels Custodians:

Elevating from “Duplex minor” to “Duplex major” means:

• Greater liturgical solemnity: Own Mass, preceding Vespers, Matins with 9 lessons (instead of 3)
• Greater frequency: The feast is not omitted even if it coincides with another saint’s feast day.
• Greater pastoral emphasis: Parishes were expected to celebrate with greater solemnity.
• Indulgences: Plenary indulgence possible for participants (cf. Enchiridion Indulgentiarum)

Legacy

The 1883 decree is part of Pope Leo XIII’s Marian and angelic program, which culminated in:

• September 1, 1883: Encyclical Supremi Apostolatus Officio on the Rosary – see post
• July 5, 1883: SCR Decree on the elevation of Angels Custods + Votive Office of Angels
• October 13, 1884: Supposed vision of the Devil during a private mass
• 1886: Prayer to Saint Michael
• 1890: Exorcismus in Satanam

Additional Reading:

• Angels of the Guard |
  Saint Michael the Archangel | Leo XIII Prayer to Saint Michael 1886 | Exorcismus in Satanam 1890

See also our comprehensive guide on Catholic Angelology.