three a.m.
`` No letters must be written or received by the Sisters of Saint Barbara , and any presents that may be made must be given to the Mother Superior for the use of the community . Sisters are always , whether by night or day , to enter the chapel with all alacrity , and in a perfect spirit of recollection , in order to prepare their souls for prayer . No Sister must be absent from the chapel without leave , and all must recite the offices . You see how well our time is divided , '' continued the lady ; `` we rise at three a.m. ; there are primer , meditation , etcetera , until seven , when we enjoy the Holy Communion . After this we have prayers and self-examination until nine , and from that hour till ten we work . At ten we dine , which is the first meal we partake of in the day . We then take an hour for recreation , and another till twelve for meditation .