Print Issue: March 28, 2002

Lauds

Introduction • Vigils • Lauds • Terce • Sext • None • Vespers • Compline

The monks, novices and observers bow at a point during Lauds (morning prayer). They pray from the choir stalls using the prayer books seen before them known as "antiphonaries."

By Deacon Michael Balfour
Photography by Michael Alexander

It's 7 a.m., and daylight begins to filter into the cloister gardens and through the stained glass windows of the abbey. The house bell signals the call to the second office of the day, Lauds (morning prayer). The monks again gather in the church and take their accustomed seats in the choir to continue the prayers and thanksgiving in community to God for the day.

As Lauds concludes, the monks, novices and visitors remain in choir as the monks who are ordained priests file out to the vestry to prepare for morning Mass. Each of the priests is scheduled on a rotating schedule to be the principal celebrant and homilist for daily Mass. As brothers prepare the main altar, the priests return to their place in the choir now wearing white albs and Lenten purple stoles. The principal celebrant begins the Mass and the celebration of the Eucharist spiritually feeds and strengthens the community for the day's work ahead.

When asked about their day and what part speaks most to the monks, most answered that it was in these early, dark hours when the house was in quiet. This time of prayer and meditation was treasured before the work of the day begins.

"It's the morning, the quiet that speaks to me," said Brother Chaminade Crabtree. "I'm usually up at 3 a.m. to begin my prayers and it's this time that I love because it sets the pace for centering prayer, there is no noise."

When asked what attracted him to the Trappist way of life, he answered, "Quiet. Compared to the other religious orders, there is more quiet here." As the abbot says, "There is a stillness here."

Following Mass at 8:15 a.m., the monks proceed in silence to the refectory for breakfast. A simple meal of cereals, fresh fruit, breads, juice, milk, coffee or tea is eaten in community. Following breakfast and upon leaving the refectory for the day's work ahead, the Grand Silence is over.

Breakfast done, at 8:45 a.m., the novices return to the novitiate for their classes, lectures or personal spiritual direction under the guidance of Father Farbolin.

During this time the professed monks attend committee meetings that address most of the business of the community. The brothers, appointed by the abbot, serve on committees for the various needs of the house that can include liturgical issues, a pastoral council, alms, the scheduling of refectory readers, among other community business. Additionally, the senior brothers will meet to address concerns of the house and of the retired brothers. Each committee will meet with the abbot on a rotation basis or as needed.

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