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A Twentieth Century Day

A brief sketch of the life in a great monastery in the first half of the twentieth century will perhaps be the best answer to the criticism above suggested.

Generally speaking, the hour for rising in a modern Benedictine monastery is at 4 or 4.30 in the morning, the monks having a full half-hour to dress before the commencement of the Divine Office. Matins and Lauds are chanted in choir, and are followed, in some cases after an interval, by mental prayer, the private Masses of the priests, and the Communion of the junior monks and lay-brothers.

At 9 comes the hour of Terce, followed by High Mass, at which all attend; the boys of the school, if it be a feast day, joining in the choral singing, and assisting at the altar.

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