The Angelus

The Angelus is a traditional Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation—the moment when God became man in Mary's womb. For centuries, church bells have rung three times daily (morning, noon, and evening) to call the faithful to pause and pray this brief meditation.

The name comes from the first word in Latin: Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae ("The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary"). This beautiful practice sanctifies the day by recalling the central mystery of our faith at regular intervals.

The Angelus - Full Text

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 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.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary...

V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary...

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.

R. Amen.

When to Pray the Angelus

The Angelus is traditionally prayed three times daily:

  • 6:00 AM — Morning (starting the day with the mystery of the Incarnation)
  • 12:00 PM — Noon (pausing in the middle of work to remember God)
  • 6:00 PM — Evening (ending the workday with prayer)

In many Catholic countries, church bells still ring at these times, calling people to pause wherever they are—in fields, in factories, in homes—and pray the Angelus.

The famous painting "The Angelus" by Jean-François Millet depicts two peasants in a field, heads bowed in prayer as the church bells ring in the distance.

During Easter Season: Regina Caeli

During the Easter season (from Easter Sunday to Pentecost), the Angelus is replaced by the Regina Caeli ("Queen of Heaven"). This joyful prayer celebrates Christ's resurrection and is traditionally prayed standing, in honor of the Risen Lord.

History of the Angelus

The Angelus developed gradually over several centuries:

  • 11th century: Monasteries began ringing bells in the evening for a Marian devotion
  • 13th century: Pope Gregory IX encouraged the evening Angelus
  • 14th century: The morning Angelus was added
  • 15th century: The noon Angelus became widespread
  • 1742: Pope Benedict XIV officially recommended the triple daily practice

The custom of stopping work to pray the Angelus has been a powerful witness of faith in Catholic societies, reminding everyone—rich and poor, educated and simple—that God entered human history in the womb of a humble maiden.

Meditating on the Angelus

The three verses of the Angelus tell the story of the Annunciation:

  1. "The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary" — Gabriel brings God's message
  2. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord" — Mary's humble acceptance
  3. "And the Word was made flesh" — The Incarnation occurs

Each verse is followed by a Hail Mary, linking this meditation to the most fundamental Marian prayer. The final prayer asks that we who know of the Incarnation may share in Christ's Resurrection.

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