(Latin: benedictio, a blessing) In the Divine Office a brief blessing pronounced by the officiant upon the reader before the latter begins the lessons of Matins. The blessing is preceded by the petition "Jube Domine benedicere" (Deign, Sir, a blessing). The early use of such blessings in the Office is attested in the 4th century and in the Benedictine Office of the 6th century. See also:
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