The Rule of Saint Benedict

Concerning the Oratory of the Monastery

Lzr the Oratory be what its name signifies, and let nothing else be done or discussed there. "When the * Work of God” is ended let all depart in strict silence, in the reverence of God, so that the brother who may wish to pray privately may not be hindered by the misconduct of another. If any brother wish to pray privately let him go into the Oratory, without ostentation, and say his prayers, not with a loud voice, but with tears and an earnest heart. Therefore, as has been said, no one is allowed to remain in the Oratory after the Divine Office is ended, unless for the purpose of prayer, lest some other brother be hindered by him.

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT 9i