Perfect sanctity also demands a continual communication with God; and because this intimate contact which the priestly soul should enjoy with God, ought never be interrupted in the succession of days and hours, the Church obliges the priest to recite the Divine Office. In this manner, she has been faithfully obedient to the injunction of the Lord, “That they must always pray and not lose heart”.45Luc., XVIII, 1.
Just as the Church herself never ceases praying, so she ardently desires that her children should do the same, repeating the words of the Apostle, “Through Him (Jesus), therefore, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise always to God, that is, fruit of lips praising His name”.46Hebr., XIII, 15. To priests, she has committed the special duty of consecrating to God, praying also in the name of the people, every period of the day and every circumstance of life.