Divided
between liturgical and contemplative life, and taking in apostolate and
studies, the average day of the Canons is full indeed. A conventual day
begins early with the song of liturgical prayer. Then there is silent prayer, an
important moment of union with God. We also say the Rosary together. For
us, it is really a contemplative prayer, preparing and disposing us
towards personal prayer.
The chapter
meets every day, after the office of prime, for the reading of an article
from our Rule. The abbot sometimes comments on it; opinions and prayer
intentions direct our day, externally and internally. The conventual Mass
gathers us around the sacred altar - truly the heart and summit
of our day. To our older brothers, the Canons of Prémontré, Pope Pius XI
addressed this beautiful homage: "The Order of Prémontré is the glory of
the Eucharist." In summary, while monks are said to centre their lives
around the cloister, canons are centred around the
Church..
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In the afternoon, we find ourselves
back in the chapel for the Office and Eucharistic worship. Everyone is kept busy by
work, studies and apostolate – no time is wasted.
Meals are taken in common, and Saint
Augustine prescribed that we should listen to a reading while eating. Then
Compline gathers us together again for the last Hour of the day, which is
crowned with a solemn Marian anthem, according to the liturgical time of
year.
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