A Day in the Life of a 13th Century Trinitarian.......

A day in the life of a 13th century Trinitarian (Part 2)….

At daybreak, the bell rings again. The Brothers rise, wash, dress in their habits and proceed again two by two to the chapel or the church. The singing of prime is followed by the singing of the Mass of Dawn and the recitation of prime of the office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This Mass of Dawn is usually applied for the welfare of the Order's benefactors.  Next comes the first work period of the day.  The Brothers go to the dormitory, remove their capes and put on overalls and hats.  Reciting aloud a psalm, they assemble at the designated place, where the minister assigns each a specific task, usually some kind of manual work. Some resume their preassigned duty of caring for the sick , the poor, the guests, and the travelers in the hospice-hospital of the house. 

After some hours of physical work, time is allowed for reading or writing.  For this, the Brothers may go to the dormitory. At approximately nine o'clock in the morning the Brothers return to the chapel or church for recitation of terce and the singing of the High Mass, which is followed by the recitation of terce of the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Thereafter, the Brothers resume their assigned work until midday, when they once again assemble in chapel for the recitation of the canonical hour of sext.  

Contributed by Sr. Coraly