🔔 Angelus – Catholic Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Angelus is a traditional Catholic devotion that commemorates the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This beautiful prayer is recited three times daily - at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - and consists of three Hail Marys with verses recalling the Annunciation. The Angelus helps us pause throughout the day to remember the great mystery of God becoming man.
Full Text of the Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst 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.
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst 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.
V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst 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.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. 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.
When to Pray the Angelus
- • 6:00 AM - Morning prayer to begin the day
- • 12:00 PM - Noon prayer to pause in the middle of the day
- • 6:00 PM - Evening prayer to end the day
- • When you hear church bells - Many churches ring bells for the Angelus
- • As a family - Pray together as a family devotion
- • During Advent and Christmas - Especially appropriate during these seasons
Historical Background
The Angelus has its roots in the medieval practice of praying three Hail Marys at the sound of the evening bell. The name "Angelus" comes from the opening words "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae" (The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary).
The devotion was popularized by Pope John XXII in the 14th century, who granted indulgences to those who prayed it. The current form of the prayer was standardized in the 17th century. The practice of ringing church bells for the Angelus became widespread in the 18th century.
Today, the Angelus remains one of the most beloved Catholic devotions, helping the faithful pause throughout the day to remember the Incarnation and seek Mary's intercession.
Meaning and Symbolism
The Angelus prayer commemorates three key moments in the mystery of the Incarnation:
- • The Annunciation - When the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive Jesus
- • Mary's Fiat - When Mary said "Yes" to God's plan
- • The Incarnation - When the Word became flesh and dwelt among us
Each part of the prayer helps us meditate on these profound mysteries and invites us to follow Mary's example of faith and obedience to God's will.
Spiritual Benefits
Daily Pause
Helps you pause three times daily to remember God's presence and love.
Marian Devotion
Deepens your relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary and seeks her intercession.
Incarnation Focus
Keeps you mindful of the great mystery of God becoming man for our salvation.
Faith Example
Teaches you to follow Mary's example of faith and obedience to God's will.
How to Pray the Angelus
To pray the Angelus effectively:
- • Find a quiet moment - Take a few minutes to pause and pray
- • Make the Sign of the Cross - Begin with the traditional Catholic gesture
- • Pray slowly and thoughtfully - Don't rush through the words
- • Meditate on the mysteries - Think about what each part means
- • Pray with others - When possible, pray with family or friends
- • Set reminders - Use your phone or watch to remind you of the times
Remember that the Angelus is not about being perfect, but about taking time to remember God's love and Mary's example throughout your day.
Biblical Foundation
The Angelus is deeply rooted in Scripture:
- • Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary
- • Luke 1:38 - Mary's response: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord"
- • John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us"
- • Luke 1:28 - "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you"
The prayer helps us meditate on these biblical events and their significance for our salvation.
Tips for Remembering
- • Set alarms - Use your phone to remind you at 6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM
- • Listen for church bells - Many churches still ring bells for the Angelus
- • Pray with family - Make it a family devotion
- • Keep a prayer card - Have the text handy until you memorize it
- • Start with one time - Begin with just one time per day and build up
- • Use an app - There are apps that remind you to pray the Angelus
- • Don't give up - Even if you miss some times, keep trying