Vigils (Matins)

The office at the end of the night in the Rule of St Benedict. Keeping watch for the Lord is an essential aspect of our vocation. This early morning prayer is our response to the Lord's call to keep watch so as not to be surprised when he returns. It is sung recto tono and starts every day with psalm 94, which invites the faithful to adore God. A ‘vigil’ in the singular refers to the day before a major liturgical feast.