There was also a daily Mass to be heard. Performing these services was known as opus Dei (God’s work), and it was the essential point of monasticism: this was monks’ contribution to society and an economy that placed great value on providing for souls as well as bodies. As a result, performing the offices was what most Benedictine monks spent most of their time doing. It behooved them to perform their duty to the best of their abilities. That meant a lot of singing. The Benedictine rule was extremely enthusiastic about music, which, said Saint Benedict, ensured that “our mind may be in harmony
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