Morals of the Church
Library › Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology › Volume I › Book II. On the Exercise of the Christian Life, or on the Cultivation of the Virtues › Treatise II. On the Cultivation of the Moral Virtues › Dissertation III. On the Precepts or Duties of the States of Life › Part II. On the Duties of Clerics › Section II. On the Duties of Clerics › Chapter I. On the Duties of Clerics Generally › Article III. On the Duty of Reciting the Canonical Hours Specifically › § IV. On the Causes Excusing from the Obligation

Section — Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology

Scholion II. On Recitation with a Companion

1203.

It is enough to note these things:

I. It is lawful, in imitation of choral recitation, to recite the office with a companion, especially because this is conformed to the primitive institution of the Church and to the public rite of praying; and it is lawful even if the companion is not bound to the canonical hours and does not attend to the things recited by the other side (St. Alphonsus IV, 162).

II. In recitation with a companion each one should pronounce his own part. Moreover, as regards the psalms, individuals should recite alternate verses. The readings, responsories, little chapters, and prayers should either be distributed or recited by one alone; indeed quite probably he satisfies "who alone says the psalms and hears the readings; or who says part of the psalms alone and part with a companion" (St. Alphonsus IV, 162). The things which one part recites by beginning too quickly, before the other has completed its own part, are considered omitted; but unless there is too much confusion, an obligation of repeating is not easily had. This also holds if the companion merely cuts off syllables.

Divine OfficeHow the office must be said