Latin Rite Catholic Usage
The office of Matins is the longest of the daily offices, and includes a minimum of two lengthy readings, and traditionally had the most number of psalms and canticles. Since the reforms that followed the Second Vatican Council, the Liturgy of the Hours has renamed "Matins" as "Office of Readings", allowing it to be said at any time during the day or night. The Office of Readings has only three psalms or portions of psalms, where the earlier form had nine, and two readings, in length similar to the total length of the readings in the three "nocturns" of the previous form. Clergy who have an obligation to celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours may still fulfil their obligation by using the Roman Breviary promulgated by Pope John XXIII in 1962. A characteristic of Matins or the Office of Readings, is the ancient hymn, Te Deum, said on Sundays and solemnities.
The office of Lauds, traditionally said just before sunrise, is now often called, in English, "Morning Prayer", though the official name (in Latin) remains unchanged. The character of this office is one of praise to God.
The office of Vespers, traditionally said just after sunset, has been renamed "Evening Prayer" after the Second Vatican Council, and is to be said at about 6 p.m. The character of this office is one of thanksgiving.
The office of Compline, is said just before retiring to bed, and has been renamed "Night Prayer" after the Second Vatican Council. The character of this office is a meditation on death.
Read more about this topic: Night Hours
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