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The expression "Divine
Office" signifies etymologically a duty accomplished for God; in
virtue of a Divine precept it means, in ecclesiastical language, certain
prayers to be recited at fixed hours of the day or night by priests,
religious, or clerics, and, in general, by all those obliged by their
vocation to fulfill this duty. The Divine Office comprises only the
recitation of certain prayers in the Breviary, and does not include the
Mass and other liturgical ceremonies.
Priests as well as deacons aspiring to the priesthood are obliged to fulfill the liturgy of the hours daily in accordance with the proper and approved liturgical books (CIC, Canon 276.3). The Roman Breviary, Confraternity of Ss. Peter & Paul Vespers: Its Meaning and Structure - John Paul II Describes the Church's Evening Prayer Archdiocese of New York Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours Monks of Adoration Daily Audio The Liturgy of the Hours Apostolate
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