he word is derived from the Latin vigilate which means “watch and wait”. This Office shows that the monk awaits the Lord’s coming again. It lasts a little less than an hour but on Sundays and feast days it may be slightly longer.
			The interval between Vigils and the next Office may be spent in private prayer or devout reading.

	t is the Office of morning praise as the light of day begins. This Office evokes the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus who is the “dawn from on high” (Luke 1,78). The period of time between Lauds and noon is divided by the short hour of Terce. Before and after that Hour the monk works at intellectual or manual labor to which he has been assigned. The younger monks, still in the period of formation attend spiritual conferences or classes in philosophy or theology.

 

			elebration of the memorial of Christ’s Pasch, it is the summit or climax of the monastic day.

	ext, another minor Hour, is followed by lunch. Meals are taken in silence, while a monk reads aloud. Every day a number of guests are invited to the monastic refectory. Days of fasting and abstinence from meat are foreseen throughout the year.
					s in the morning, the afternoon is spent in work or study. It too is divided by a minor Hour, None.

				his is the Office of evening praise and thanksgiving for all the graces of the day.
	t is followed by devout reading of Holy Scripture (Lectio divina)

 
 

	ollowed by recreation in common.

ight prayer and last common prayer of the day. It closes with a chant in honor of Our Lady, Mother of God.  On Thursday afternoon, a longer period of relaxation is taken. Vespers are sung at 7:00 P.M. and Compline at 8:00 P.M.