Manual of the Third Order of St. Francis (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855 Excerpt: ...those who, from some unusual occupation, have their minds over-fatigued. 6. The obligation of the office will be fulfilled if recited between midnight and midnight; but by virtue of universal custom, Matins and Lauds of the following day may be said when the sun has run half its course between noon and sunset: it will not satisfy the obligation to anticipate this time; so, also, those who defer Vespers and Compline till midnight cannot satisfy the obligation, the time being past. 7. During Lent it is usual, on all days except Sundays, to recite Vespers before dinner; the object of this is to call to mind the ancient discipline of the Church, according to which it was not permitted to break the fast till after sunset and the recitation of Vespers. At the same time, Vespers may, at pleasure, be deferred till after dinner. 8. No part of the office, except Matins and Lauds, can, under any pretext, be said over-night. 9. It is more correct to recite each part of the Office on the day and hour appointed; for example, Matins and Lauds at daybreak, Prime at sunrise, Terce and Sext before noon, None and Vespers between noon and sunset. Compline may be said later. At the same time, all the hours, Matins, Lauds, Prime, and Terce excepted, may, at pleasure, be deferred till the afternoon. Yet it is better to anticipate than to defer the hour; for, according to Hugh de Saint Victor, to pray before the appointed time is prudence; after it, negligence. 10. Instead of assisting at the parish or cathedral Matins during Lent, the director can substitute visiting the sick or poor of the parish once a week, or some other good work, by which the merit of the former will not be lost. CHAPTER IX. THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE TO MAKE THEIR WILL. All those who have the right and po...