A Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity

Prepared by the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore · Published by TAN Books

Overview

A Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity has stood as a foundational prayer resource for generations of American Catholics, offering a comprehensive treasury of traditional devotions, sacred prayers, hymns, and liturgical texts grounded in the Church’s perennial worship life. It was issued by the same authority that promulgated the Baltimore Catechism and has guided countless faithful in daily communion with God.

This deluxe leatherette edition has been newly typeset to enhance readability while preserving the rhythm and reverence of the original classic. Carefully curated prayers in both Latin and English, traditional devotions, seasonal hymns, and a full liturgical calendar make this manual a constant companion for personal prayer, family devotions, and participation in the life of the Church.

Designed to support the spiritual life of the laity in all seasons of grace, this Manual offers a breadth of devotion unmatched by most single-volume prayer books. From morning prayers to devotions in honor of the Sacred Heart, from Psalms to proper prayers for feast days, it equips readers to pray with the Church both in public and in private.

• Comprehensive collection of prayers, Psalms, litanies, and traditional devotions


• Includes both traditional and new liturgical calendars for seasonal prayer planning


• Bilingual prayers and hymns in Latin and English enhance liturgical participation


• Proper of the Mass for Sundays and feast days connects personal prayer with the liturgical year


• Ideal for daily devotion, family prayer, catechesis, and deepening spiritual life

From the Manual

“Pray without ceasing; in every place offer your sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.”
— Traditional Catholic Prayer

Contents You Will Find

• Prayers and Psalms in Latin and English for personal sanctification


• Traditional devotions including the Forty Hours, Seven Last Words, Sacred Heart, and more


• Hymns and sequences for the Church’s liturgical seasons


• Both old and new liturgical calendars


• The Proper of the Mass for Sundays and feast days, enabling deeper liturgical participation

Intended Audience

This Manual is suited for Catholics seeking a dependable and traditional prayer resource rooted in the Church’s liturgical heritage. It serves families, parishioners, and individuals desiring to pray with the fullness of Catholic devotion, as well as catechists, clergy, and those guiding others in daily prayer life.

FAQs

Does this include prayers in Latin?
Yes. It offers Latin and English prayers throughout to support traditional devotion and liturgical participation.

Is this prayer manual suitable for daily use?
Absolutely. Its breadth and structure make it an excellent choice for daily prayer, seasonal devotion, and family or parish use.