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  AT THE HOUR FOR THE DIVINE OFFICE
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: The Divine Office should be attended with seriousness and
punctuality, and those who arrive late must make satisfaction for their
fault.

Topics: "Divine Worship", "Monastic Discipline"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:60, Proverbs 15:32, Ecclesiastes 5:1, Hebrews 12:11, James 1:22

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of promptly and
reverently attending the Divine Office, instructing that nothing should
take precedence over this sacred work. He outlines the consequences for
arriving late, highlighting the need for penance and public satisfaction
to correct negligence. St. Benedict's guidance aims to ensure that all
members participate fully in the Office, avoiding distractions and
providing an opportunity for repentance and improvement.

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CONTENT
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At the hour for the Divine Office, as soon as the signal is heard, let
them abandon whatever they may have in hand and hasten with the greatest
speed, yet with seriousness, so that there is no excuse for levity. Let
nothing, therefore, be put before the Work of God. If at the Night
Office anyone arrives after the "Glory be to the Father" of Psalm 94--
which Psalm for this reason we wish to be said very slowly and
protractedly-- let him not stand in his usual place in the choir; but
let him stand last of all, or in a place set aside by the Abbot for such
negligent ones in order that they may be seen by him and by all.

He shall remain there until the Work of God has been completed, and then
do penance by a public satisfaction. the reason why we have judged it
fitting for them so stand in the last place or in a place apart is that,
being seen by all, they may amend for very shame. For if they remain
outside of the oratory, there will perhaps be someone who will go back
to bed and sleep or at least seat himself outside and indulge in idle
talk, and thus an occasion will be provided for the evil one.

But let them go inside, that they many not lose the whole Office, and
may amend for the future. At the day Hours anyone who does not arrive at
the Work of God until after the verse and the "Glory be to the Father"
for the first Psalm following it shall stand in the last place,
according to our ruling above. Nor shall he presume to join the choir in
their chanting until he has made satisfaction, unless the Abbot should
pardon him and give him permission; but even then the offender must make
satisfaction for his fault.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/at-the-hour-for-the-divine-office/
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