Hebdomadarian

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The hebdomadarian (or hebdomadary) is a monk or nun in a monastery chosen by the superior to lead and read the weekly parts of the Liturgy of the Hours for the week. The name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning "week." Each week the hebdomadarian begins and leads the daily prayers, the first versicle, and, depending on the house, hymns, antiphons, and the day’s intercessions or martyrology. They sing the collects and give the necessary blessings, starting the prayers with the opening versicle, "Deus in adjutorium" — "O God, come to my aid." Before the first vespers on Sunday, they ask for and receive the blessing from the superior in the choir or chapter house. They also serve as the reader in the Liturgy of the Hours. In some communities the superior carries out the office on solemn days. The office may come from the Rule of Saint Benedict, which says the weekly reader begins on the Lord’s Day, prays for themselves after Mass and Communion to avoid pride, and keeps complete silence so only the reader’s voice is heard.