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Through the monastic clock: A spiritual odyssey with RITRIT
Welcome to monastic time, where each moment is woven into the spiritual fabric of a day punctuated by offices, prayers and work.
RITRIT opens the doors to a unique experience of time, immerse yourself in the daily life of monks in monasteries.
We should warn you right away, this is an example. Each monastic family has its own specificities. For example, it often happens that the offices of Sext, None and Terce are combined in an office called midday prayer!
In short, we're taking you through a monk's day.
Early rising (5:00 AM - 5:30 AM): Ring the Matins!
At 5:00 AM, the monastery awakens in darkness, a prelude to dawn when the Office of Vigils begins at 5:30 AM. In the faint glow of discreet lights, the monks rise, honoring the silence of the night that fades before the first light of day.
Breakfast and personal prayer (6:45 AM - 7:00 AM)
At 6:45 AM, the common room comes alive with the peaceful conversations of the monks, or in silence, around a hearty breakfast. At 7:00 AM, the cells or work rooms fill with the murmur of personal prayers and spiritual readings, each seeking inspiration for the day ahead.
Office of Lauds and Lectio Divina (7:30 AM - 8:10 AM)
At 7:30 AM, the chapel resonates with the chants of the monks during the Office of Lauds, followed at 8:10 AM by lectio divina. The pages of Scripture come alive in silent meditation, nourishing the spirits of the religious.
Mass and work (10:00 AM - 11:15 AM)
At 10:00 AM, Mass, the climax of the morning, is held in the chapel. It is the heart of a monk's day.
Then, at 11:15 AM, the monks disperse to their assigned work, carrying spirituality with them in their daily tasks.
Each monastery has its specificities. Whether calligraphy, bookbinding or tending gardens, the monks and nuns maintain a spirit of prayer in their work.
Office of Sext and lunch (1:00 PM - 1:15 PM)
At 1:00 PM, the Office of Sext offers a pause in the day's activity. At 1:15 PM, the dining room welcomes the community for a shared lunch, a moment of silence filled with gratitude for the food offered often with a spiritual reading.
Office of None, recreation and work (1:50 PM - 5:00 PM)
At 1:50 PM, the Office of None marks the beginning of the afternoon, a spiritual pause before recreation at 2:00 PM. The monks then return to their work at 2:50 PM, bearing witness to the harmonious fusion between spirituality and work.
Office of Vespers and personal prayer (5:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
At 5:00 PM, Vespers envelop the chapel in a golden light, marking the beginning of twilight. Personal prayer or reading at 5:30 PM offers a time for introspection before nightfall.
Dinner and personal prayer (7:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
At 7:30 PM, the refectory comes alive with the murmur of shared meals. At 8:00 PM, the monks withdraw for personal prayer, letting the atmosphere fill with gratitude and reflection.
Community meeting and Office of Compline (8:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
At 8:30 PM, the community meeting in chapter begins, guided by the teaching of the Father Abbot or Mother Abbess. At 9:00 PM, the Office of Compline resonates in the chapel, marking the end of the day and the entry into the silence of the night, an invitation to contemplation and serenity.
After this office, not another word! The monks can finish certain tasks and take personal time to check their emails, read a book, listen to music..
And what about you?
As you will have understood, being a monk is intense. For you, don't panic! The monks don't ask you to keep the same rhythm as them. Take time to rest, and join them to share one or more of these times of prayer and meditation whenever you wish!
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