The Angelus is a prayer of the Catholic Church. It is traditionally prayed three times a day: in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. This prayer helps people pause in their daily activities to remember a very important moment in Christian faith. That moment is when the Angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced that she would become the mother of Jesus. Through the Angelus, Catholics honor both Jesus Christ and His mother, Mary.

The Angelus includes verses from the Bible and responses from people praying. It also incorporates the Hail Mary.

This prayer is not only about remembering an event from the past but also about connecting with it in a deep and personal way today. When Catholics pray the Angelus, they are reminded of Mary's openness and willingness to say "yes" to God's plan. This helps believers think about their own willingness to follow God's will in their lives.

Why Pray the Angelus?

Praying the Angelus is a way to remember how Jesus came into the world and to think about Mary's yes to God. It's a time to ask for blessings. It brings together the past and the present, helping Catholics feel closer to God and to one another as they pray.

The history of the Angelus is rich and deep, tracing back several centuries. It began as a monastic custom in the Middle Ages. Monks would pause their work and pray at specific times throughout the day to honor the Incarnation of Jesus, which is the belief that God became human in the form of Jesus Christ. Over time, this practice evolved beyond the walls of monasteries and became a tradition for all Catholics.

In the 13th century, the practice of reciting three Hail Marys in the evening was encouraged by Pope Gregory IX as a way to remember the Annunciation, the moment the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. This simple act of devotion grew in popularity and significance, eventually becoming what we now know as the Angelus.

The name "Angelus" comes from the prayer's first words in Latin, "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae," meaning "The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary." This highlights the focus of the prayer on the Annunciation.

By the 14th and 15th centuries, the custom of ringing a bell at morning, noon, and evening to call people to prayer became widespread across Europe. This bell was known as the "Angelus bell," and it served as a reminder for everyone, not just monks, to pause from their daily work and pray. The ringing of the bell became a communal call to remember and celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus, drawing together communities in a shared act of faith.

The form of the devotion as we know it today, with its three biblical verses, responses, and the final prayer, was officially endorsed by Pope Benedict XIV in the 18th century. He praised the Angelus as a way to sanctify the day and encourage the faithful to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation.

Throughout its history, the Angelus has been more than just a prayer. It has been a daily reminder of faith, a call to pause in the midst of life's busyness, and a way to unite communities in shared devotion. The tradition of the Angelus symbolizes the enduring presence of Christian faith in everyday life, inviting believers to reflect on the profound mystery of God becoming man to live among us.

When praying as a group, the leader says the parts in bold print.

Start with the sign of the cross.

The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your 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 your Word.

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

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

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

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 you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your 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.

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More Catholic Prayers

Explore a variety of Catholic prayers. This resource offers a collection that spans from traditional prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary to specific prayers for guidance, peace, and strength. Whether you're looking to deepen your prayer life or seeking comfort in times of need, this site provides a wide range of prayers for all aspects of the Catholic faith. It's a valuable tool for anyone wishing to grow closer to God through prayer.

What is the Angelus?

It is a Catholic prayer that remembers the moment when the angel Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus. It's prayed three times a day: in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.

Why do Catholics pray the Angelus?

Catholics pray the Angelus to honor the Incarnation, where God became human as Jesus. It's a way to remember Mary's yes to God and to ask for God's help in their lives.

When is the Angelus prayed?

It is traditionally prayed at 6 AM (morning), 12 PM (noon), and 6 PM (evening).

What are the parts of the Angelus prayer?

It includes verses from the Bible about the Annunciation, Hail Mary prayers, and ends with a prayer asking for God’s help through Jesus and Mary.

Do I have to be in a church to pray the Angelus?

No, you can pray it anywhere. Many people stop what they're doing and pray when they hear the Angelus bell or at the specific times during the day.

Is the Angelus prayer only for Catholics?

While it's a Catholic tradition, anyone who wants to remember the importance of Jesus and Mary in Christian faith can pray it.

How long does it take to pray the Angelus?

It is a short prayer. It usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes to pray.

Can I pray the Angelus alone?

Yes, you can pray it by yourself or with others. It's a flexible prayer that fits both personal and communal prayer times.

Is the Angelus the same as the Regina Coeli?

No, the Regina Coeli is a different prayer that replaces the Angelus during the Easter season. It celebrates Jesus' resurrection.

Why do bells ring for the Angelus?

Bells sometimes ring to remind people it's time to pray the Angelus. It's a tradition from when not everyone had watches or clocks, helping to unite communities in prayer at the same times each day.

The Angelus is more than just a prayer. It's a special tradition in the Catholic Church that helps people feel closer to God every day. It gives us a break from our busy lives to think about Jesus and Mary's yes to God. This prayer makes our connection with God stronger and reminds us to follow His plan. When we say the Angelus every day, we join Catholics everywhere in a practice that brings us together in faith.

The Angelus shows us how important prayer is. It helps us think deeply about our faith and ask God for help. Saying the Angelus connects us with the larger Church, both now and in the past. It helps us understand important Christian beliefs and brings us closer to God.

Challenge yourself to say the Angelus every day in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. It doesn't matter where you are; just take a few minutes to pray.

This simple act connects your daily life with your faith and brings peace. It's a way to be closer to God and remember what's important in our faith. Join many other Catholics in this practice to make your faith stronger every day.