Avalon Canonical Hours

Canonical Hours & Bells

The Liturgy of the Hours follows a structured cycle of prayers throughout the day, often accompanied by church bells to mark the time.

• Matins (Midnight or pre-dawn) – (No bell or soft bell chimes)
  • The long night vigil, originally prayed before dawn.
  • In monastic traditions, bells were not always rung loudly to avoid disturbing those not in prayer.

• Lauds (Dawn, around 3:00–6:00 AM) – (Loud bell to awaken monks)
  • The morning praise, welcoming the new day.
  • Bells rang loudly to wake monks for prayer.

• Prime (6:00 AM, First Hour) – (Moderate bell chime)
  • First hour of the day; a preparatory prayer before work.
  • Sometimes marked by a single chime or a brief peal of bells.

• Terce (9:00 AM, Third Hour) – (Single or triple bell peal)
  • Mid-morning prayer, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
  • Typically, a short chime or three bells rung in succession.

• Sext (12:00 PM, Sixth Hour, Noon Prayer) – (Angelus Bells or three chimes)
  • Midday prayer, marking the Crucifixion.
  • Traditionally, the Angelus bell was rung three times, pausing in between.

• None (3:00 PM, Ninth Hour, Afternoon Prayer) – (Moderate bell tolling)
  • The prayer of the afternoon, recalling the hour of Christ’s death.
  • A steady, slower chime in some monasteries.

• Vespers (Sunset or 6:00 PM, Evening Prayer) – (Major bell peal)
  • The evening prayer, marking the completion of the day's work.
  • Typically a grand peal of bells calling people to prayer.

• Compline (Night, before retiring, 7:00–9:00 PM) – (Soft, slow chime or tolling bell)
  • The last prayer of the day, an examination of conscience before rest.
  • Some churches rang a final "Great Silence" bell or a deep, solemn toll.

Special Bells & Traditions

• Angelus Bells (6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM) – Three chimes, pausing in between, calling the faithful to recite the Angelus prayer.
• Death Knell (After Compline or for funerals) – A slow, solemn toll to mark the passing of a soul.
• Sanctus Bell (During Mass) – A small bell rung at the consecration of the Eucharist.