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Dear catholic.com visitors: This website from Catholic Answers, with all its many resources, is the world's largest source of explanations for Catholic beliefs and practices. A fully independent, lay-run, 501(c)(3) ministry that receives no funding from the institutional Church, we rely entirely on the generosity of everyday people like you to keep this website going with trustworthy , fresh, and relevant content. If everyone visiting this month gave just $1, catholic.com would be fully funded for an entire year. Do you find catholic.com helpful? Please make a gift today. SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR NEW MONTHLY DONATIONS! Thank you and God bless.

What is the Divine Office?

Question:

When reading Catholic newspapers I have seen references to the "Divine Office." I am confused about what this means.

Answer:

The Divine Office arises from the command of Jesus to “pray always.” Priests and religious are required to follow this by reading (and meditating on) each day certain psalms, hymns, prayers, and biblical passages. This practice goes back to the times of the apostles. It assures there is an unceasing chorus of prayer from the Church to God.

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