The Liturgy of the Hours

To pray The Liturgy of the Hours, please follow this link: www.universalis.com

The purpose of The Liturgy of the Hours is the sanctification of time.  It extends the Pascal Mystery in the Eucharist over the course of the hours of the day and is central to Benedictine spirituality.  The Rule of St. Benedict names The Liturgy of the Hours, “Opus Dei”, literally, “The Work of God.”  In his Rule, St. Benedict envelops The Liturgy of the Hours within his preeminent admonition of loving Christ above all things, using the identical emphasis, “prefer nothing to…”

“Indeed, nothing is to be preferred to the Work of God” (RB 43:3)

“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ” (RB 72:11)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully describes how the Liturgy of the Hours is “The Work of God” and the participating role of His Church:

“In it (The Liturgy of the Hours) Christ himself “continues his priestly work through his Church”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church #1175

“The faithful who celebrate The Liturgy of the Hours are united to Christ our high priest, by the prayer of the Psalms, meditation on the Word of God, and canticles and blessings, in order to be joined with His unceasing and universal prayer that gives glory to the Father and implores the gift of the Holy Spirit on the whole world.” 
—Catechism of the Catholic Church #1196

The structure of The Liturgy of the Hours is devised to cover all the hours of the day and night.  A significant portion of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict is devoted to instructions for The Liturgy of the Hours.

All are welcome to pray The Liturgy of the Hours with us in the Cor Jesu Chapel.  
For our prayer schedule click here.

For the Church documents regarding The Liturgy of the Hours, please follow this link: www.adoremus.org/LaudisCanticum.html