The Bell
At the first sound of the bell, at six in the morning, we prepare to live another day marked by the Divine Office, classes, meals, recreation, and free time…
"When the bell sounds and calls us for anything whatsoever, we must promptly leave and abandon all."
— Saint Francis de Sales
"Each moment brings a duty which must be fulfilled with fidelity."
— Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade
Meditation and the Office of Lauds
After breakfast, at seven o'clock, we renew on our knees the consecration to the Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the Institute. Then begins a half-hour of silent meditation, followed by the Office of Lauds, the first of the four canonical Hours chanted in community: Lauds, Sext, Vespers, Compline.
"Prayer is for man the first of blessings. It is his light, his nourishment, his very life."
— Dom Guéranger
Work and Duties
From eight o'clock onward, the seminary becomes a busy hive, where each one goes about his assigned task: hospitality, laundry, sacristy, secretarial work, grounds maintenance, garden, workshop, kitchen, wine cellar, and general upkeep.
Studies at the Seminary
The curriculum includes Aristotelian and Thomistic philosophy, the various treatises of theology, Church history, patrology, and Gregorian chant. Examinations take place twice a year, preceded by weeks of intensive study.
Holy Mass
The Seminary Directory recalls that the priest "is chosen by God for the principal act of the virtue of Religion: the Sacrifice," and that "all prayer and exercises of piety will be directed toward this summit." After a quarter-hour of silent thanksgiving, the seminarians chant the Office of Sext.
Community Meals
At midday and in the evening, meals are taken in silence: a seminarian reads recto tono a text of spiritual, historical, or literary character. On great feast days, music replaces the reading.
Recreation
The Seminary Directory insists on the importance of fraternal life, founded on mutual respect and reciprocal affection. It recalls the words of the Psalmist: "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!" (Ps. 133:1).
The Rosary
In the afternoon, the seminarians recite the rosary together for their benefactors. During the month of October, the rosary is recited before the exposed Blessed Sacrament.
Compline and the Grand Silence
The day closes with the Office of Compline, an act of thanksgiving for the blessings received and a plea for protection through the night. The "Grand Silence" then extends, strictly observed from the end of Compline until the Lauds of the following day, fostering the intimacy of the soul with God.