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MATINS

The first of the canonical hours. Now replaced since Second Vatican Council by the Office of Readings, followed by Morning Prayer. Formerly chanted during the early hours shortly after midnight by enclosed monks and nuns who alone continue Matins as such, now. (Etym. French matin, morning.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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