The Angelus

The Angelus is a Marian devotion centered on the mystery of the Incarnation. This devotion dates to at least 700 years ago. The name of this devotion is derived from the opening words in the Latin translation, Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ.

The Angelus consists of three Biblical verses describing the mystery (the first two from Luke's account of the Annunciation, the third from John's declaration of the incarnation) Traditionally, the Angelus is recited as versicle and response, with a Hail Mary said between each verse and response.

Tradition has the recitation of the Angelus at 6:00 AM, Noon, and 6:00 PM. It slightly resembles the scheduled hours of prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. In days gone by, the Angelus was announced by bell tolls, three strikes of the bell per verse and canticle, for a total of 9 rings. In olden days all knelt at the third verse.

Catholics are encouraged to pray the Angelus as a way of keeping everpresent in mind the Incarnation Mystery and Mary's faithfulness to the will of God.

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.