Prepared by the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey in Missouri, this edition presents these moving passages of the Bible in an accurate and poetic translation, while keeping a smooth cadence especially suited to singing and recitation. It establishes the definitive form of psalms and canticles that will gradually appear in official Catholic liturgical books such as future editions of the Liturgy of the Hours and the Lectionary for Mass.Liturgy directors, composers, parish music directors, and the clergy, religious, and lay faithful will value this collection. Anyone who loves to study and pray with Sacred Scripture will find this work to be a timeless treasure.Official version approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It is my sincere hope that this translation of the Psalms and Biblical Canticles will be a source of spiritual nourishment for the liturgy and the private prayer of all who use them. Abbot Primate Gregory Polan, O.S.B.