The Angelus prayer has its roots in the medieval Church and can be traced back to the 13th century. It was initially a monastic practice, and by the 16th century, it became popular among the laity. The name “Angelus” comes from the Latin word for “angel,” reflecting the prayer’s focus on the message delivered by the Angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
The Angelus Prayer
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, 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. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
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. 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.
The Concept of the Angelus Prayer
The Angelus Prayer is a traditional Catholic devotion that honors the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Angelus prayer is traditionally recited three times a day at the following times:
- Morning (6 AM)
- Noon (12 PM)
- Evening (6 PM)
It serves as a reminder of the mystery of the Word becoming flesh and the significance of Mary’s role in salvation history.
The prayer is divided into three parts, each focusing on the Annunciation, the Incarnation, and the request for Mary’s intercession, followed by a concluding prayer. The Angelus invites the faithful to reflect on the central tenets of the Christian faith: God’s love, the importance of prayer, and the significance of Jesus’ birth through Mary.
Summary
The Angelus Prayer encapsulates profound theological truths about the Incarnation and Mary’s role in salvation history. Rooted in scripture, it invites believers to engage in reflection and prayer, fostering a deeper relationship with God and honoring the mystery of faith. As a daily practice, it reinforces the importance of acknowledging God’s presence in our lives and the significance of Mary as a guiding figure in the Christian journey.
