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But if Matins be said separately, without Lauds following immediately. A notable time may elapse between the nocturns of Matins without any excusing cause. In the early Church intervals occurred between each nocturn. Some authors state that an interval of three hours between two nocturns is quite lawful, even when there be no cause for the delay.
The word Matins is derived from Matuta, the Latin name for the Greek goddess of morning. It is the old name for Lauds, Laudes matutinae. The word was also used to denote the office of Vigils. Hence, the word was used in three senses, to denote the nocturns and lauds, to denote Lauds only and to denote the vigil office.
It may be noted here, that, in the recitation of this Office, which is, for most priests, the only choral recitation of liturgy, care should be taken to select the proper nocturn or nocturns. When, therefore, only one nocturn is recited, the invitatory is to be omitted except on the dies obitus seu depositionis."
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