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Office of Readings: Said aloud or mentally John Friday, December 24, 2004

Question:

I know that the Divine Office is to be said aloud, even if only whispered, in private recitation and is not a mental prayer. Does this hold true for the Office of Readings as well?

(P.S. When reading the Rule of Saint Benedict daily, do you say it aloud as well?)



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear John:

The rule of saying the Divine Office aloud, even it only muttering to oneself, includes ALL of the Divine Office.

However, I believe this rule is no longer in effect in today's Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours).

As for the Rule of St. Benedict, I do not read it daily; I am not Benedictine. As far as I know the Benedictines do not read their Rule aloud when in private. The Rule is read aloud by a single reader, however, when it is read during meals.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary