a) cantica majora (greater or Gospel canticles; from the New Testament). In the Roman Catholic rite they form the climax of Vespers, Lauds, and Compline. In the Anglican churches they occur in the Morning and Evening Prayers.
b) cantica minora (lesser canticles; 14 in number; from the Old Testament). In the Roman rite they all belong to Lauds. Two of them are assigned to each day of the week, one for normal use and the other for the period of Lent.