48 – I’m hardly aware of how the time is passing. From the southern portal a brother enters the church and walks silently along the ambulatory, to disappear into the bell tower. A few seconds later, the rhythmic sound of a ringing bell is heard. It is 12.40 p.m. Brother Giovanni says, “So as not to lose contact with the Absolute, every three hours the bell summons the community to praise God. Within five minutes, Sext will be sung, after which we go to lunch.”
My personal guide remains silent. The brothers form a slow and solemn procession, and enter the presbytery to place themselves accordingly, in the choir stalls. The plainchant, which is also a prayer, begins. A copy of the psalms sung in Latin, fortunately provided with an Italian translation, helps me to follow the singing more closely.
49 – I try to concentrate as best I can, but am frequently tempted to watch the brothers during the ritual gestures, which accompany the singing. The use of Latin is however, quite perplexing – a language familiar only to few. More convenient would be the use of Italian. The plainchant is also very beautiful, but difficult to follow. So I can neither sing nor pray with them, to remain excluded, and just an onlooker! Yet, next to me I notice how the people get up, as the brothers get up, while in the front row, some youngsters bow down lowly during the ‘gloria’ (dossology). Some of the people keep the text closed – perhaps they are unable to understand Italian, but their features and their attitude reveal a deep attention, undoubtedly caused by the moving and mystic atmosphere created by the liturgy. I too want to comprehend. I too want to participate.