(3) The administration of the sacraments—­even the administration of Extreme Unction, the form of which is a prayer—­with full voluntary distractions is valid; so, too, should be the recital of Breviary prayers.

(4) In the other opinion it is hard to see how, if voluntary distractions destroy the substance of prayer, involuntary distractions do not produce similar effect, and hence, there can be no prayer if there be distraction of any kind.

This opinion was held by Lugo (1583-1660), Gobat (1600-1679), Sporer (1609-1683), St. Antonnius (1389-1459), and other eminent men.  It is quoted by St. Alphonsus, as satis probabilis.  Of it, Lehmkuhl writes, “Quae ad substantiam divini officii dicamus satis probabiliter sufficere cum intentione orandi observasse attentionem externam” (II. 635).

What are the divisions or kinds of internal attention?

I. Objectively they are (1) spiritual attention, (2) literal attention, (3) superficial or material attention.  Spiritual attention is that advertence of soul which tends towards God, the Term of all prayer, when the soul meditates on the power, wisdom, goodness of God, on the Passion, on the Mother of God, on God’s saints.  Literal attention is that which strives to lay hold of the meaning of the words said in the office.  Superficial attention is that advertence of soul which applies itself to the correct recitation of the words, avoiding errors of pronunciation, mutilation, transposition, etc., etc.

II.  Subjectively, virtual attention suffices; habitual is divided into actual and interpretative.  Actual attention is that which exists at the moment—­e.g., the attention paid by a pupil to a question put by a teacher.  Virtual attention is attention which was once actual, but is not such at the time spoken of, but which lives virtually.  Habitual is attention which once was actual, which does not remain in act, but which was not retracted.  Interpretative attention is that which never existed at all, but which would have existed if the agent had adverted.

Which kind of internal attention is required in the reading of the Office?  I. Objectively, material, or superficial attention is necessary, since the Breviary is a vocal prayer, and therefore it is necessary to pronounce distinctly all the words of the day’s office and to observe the rubrics.  But this suffices; it is not necessary that a priest reciting his Hours should carefully notice each word, it is sufficient to have general and moral attention to recite every part well, and with the intention of praying, “Sed sufficere moralem et generalem qua quis curet bene omnia dicere cum intentione orandi” (St. Alphonsus).

Hence, objectively, neither attention, which is called spiritual, because it is not easy to attain, nor the literal attention, which religious who do not understand Latin strive after, is needed for valid recitation.  By this, it is not meant to convey that spiritual attention is not very excellent and very commendable and praiseworthy.