{"id":2841,"date":"2025-05-11T12:08:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-11T12:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warapunga.ch\/?p=2841"},"modified":"2025-05-11T12:08:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-11T12:08:05","slug":"whoever-sings-prays-twice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/warapunga.ch\/?p=2841","title":{"rendered":"Whoever sings, prays twice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recent election of Pope Leo XIV is historically significant: he is the first pope from the Augustinian Order. While this order is smaller and less prominently represented in the papacy than others\u2014such as the Jesuits or Franciscans\u2014it carries a deep and rich spiritual tradition, especially in music and prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Augustinians draw much of their identity from Saint Augustine of Hippo (354\u2013430), the influential theologian and bishop from North Africa. His writings on community, humility, love, and service have inspired generations. One of his most enduring insights\u2014\u201cQui cantat, bis orat\u201d<\/em> (\u201cWhoever sings prays twice\u201d)\u2014captures the heart of Augustinian spirituality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded officially in 1244 by Pope Innocent IV, the Augustinian Order united several religious communities in Italy that had adopted Augustine\u2019s Rule<\/em>, written in the fourth century. From its beginnings, the Order embraced music as an integral part of communal life and prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Singing the Divine Office has always been central to Augustinian practice. These daily liturgical prayers\u2014Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline\u2014create a rhythm of prayer and reflection throughout the day. Traditionally chanted, these hours draw the community together, centering life on worship. For instance, at St. Bartholomew\u2019s in London, the canons would gather at midnight to sing Matins and Lauds, often concluding with the Te Deum<\/em>. In such moments, music becomes more than art\u2014it becomes breath, unity, and prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One beautiful example of this musical devotion is the setting of \u201cCantate Domino\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 96 and 98) by Sulpitia Cesis, a 16th-century Augustinian nun and composer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Sing to the Lord a new song,<\/strong>
sing to the Lord, all the earth,
sing to the Lord and bless his name,
proclaim his salvation day after day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Play music to our God,
play wisely to our King.
Rejoice in the Lord, all the earth,
and exalt him with trembling,
for the Lord is gracious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sing gloriously to the Lord,
rejoice in the God of Jacob,
for he is God:
he made us, and not we ourselves.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As we begin a new week, may we be reminded that prayer can take many forms\u2014and that through song, we also lift our souls twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wishing you a blessed Monday!

Praying twice!<\/em>
Philemon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 18 The recent election of Pope Leo XIV is historically significant: he is the first pope from the Augustinian Order. While this order is smaller and less prominently represented in the papacy than others\u2014such as the Jesuits or Franciscans\u2014it carries a deep and rich spiritual tradition, especially in music and prayer. The Augustinians draw … <\/p>\n

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