Officium Divinum

Liturgy of the Hours

Liturgia Horarum

Seven times a day the Church lifts her voice in praise, sanctifying the whole course of the day and night with the praise of God.

Matins — Matutinum

The night watch — the longest hour, given to psalmody and extended reading.

Morning praise at daybreak — the Church greets the rising sun and the risen Christ.

Mid-morning — the third hour, when the Spirit descended at Pentecost.

Midday — the sixth hour, when Christ was lifted upon the Cross.

Mid-afternoon — the ninth hour, the hour of the Lord’s death.

Evening praise as the lamps are lit — thanksgiving for the day now spent.

Night prayer — the Church entrusts herself to God before sleep.