The Liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the fountain from which all her power flows.. .
– Vatican II Constitution on Liturgy
The paschal mystery of Christ is made present and effective for our salvation in the celebration of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the center of the life of the Church because from it the Church is born, lives and continues to grow until she is ready to meet her bridegroom Christ as He comes in glory.
The sharing in God’s life and the unity of God’s people are in fact given fitting expression and a mysterious realization in the Eucharist, in which the Church, made one with the sacrifice of Christ, offers herself to God. In the Eucharist the Church receives an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and enjoys a foretaste of the perfect communion with the Blessed Trinity which will be hers in the age to come.
The life of the oblate should be oriented in such a way that it is a preparation for, and an extension of, the Eucharistic action. The Eucharist should be celebrated at least once a week and in as full, conscious and active a way as possible. Thus, by God’s gift , the oblate may attain that total inner openess to God’s action which the spiritual masters have called mystical experience or contemplation.
As Camaldolese Benedictines, we have always considered the celebration of the praise of God to be a fundamental element in our life. In the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church offers her sacrifice of praise to the Father, and she thanks God for the salvation that comes to her in Christ. In the Hours, as in the Eucharist, Christ is acting out his priestly role and bringing to completion the covenant of love that unites bride to her bridegroom.
According to Christian tradition, the purpose of the Liturgy of the Hours is the sanctification of the entire day. Hence it is necessary that the celebration of the various Hours (Vigils, Lauds, Vespers, Compline, etc.) correspond as closely as possible to their proper time of day. Special importance should be given to Lauds (at daybreak) and Vespers (at sunset), the principal moments of the Liturgy of the Hours. Though we are aware of time pressures for so many, these two hours are recommended for oblates if possible. Each element of the Hours—the psalms, hymns, scripture, prayers—is to have its proper place in the celebration. The Hours are enhanced when prayed slowly and reverently and when accompanied by scripture study and a deeper understanding of the psalms.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).