The Angelus: A Moment of Grace
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.
Significance:
"The Angelus" is a centuries-old devotion that invites us to pause and reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation. This prayer, traditionally recited three times a day, commemorates the Angel Gabriel's annunciation to the Virgin Mary, leading to the birth of Jesus.
Blessings:
By embracing "The Angelus," we invite the divine into our daily lives. This sacred tradition fosters a sense of mindfulness, gratitude, and a deeper connection to the spiritual realm. It's an opportunity to seek God's grace and guidance in our journey.
Tradition and History:
Traditions:
"The Angelus" is typically prayed at 6 AM, Noon, and 6 PM, aligning with the traditional Christian hours of Prime, Sext, and Vespers. This practice unites us across time zones, creating a global sense of communion.
History:
Rooted in medieval monasticism, "The Angelus" gained popularity in the 17th century as a way for Catholics to sanctify their daily activities. Over the years, it has become a cherished custom, uniting believers in a shared spiritual rhythm.
Step-by-Step Guidance:
1. The Invocation:
Begin with the ringing of a bell or a moment of silence, signifying the call to prayer.
2. The Angelus Prayer:
Recite the Angelus prayer, comprising the biblical verses of the Annunciation, followed by the Hail Mary and the concluding prayer.
3. Reflection:
Pause for a moment of personal reflection, meditating on the mystery of the Incarnation and its relevance to your life.
4. Closing:
Conclude with the ringing of the bell or a moment of silence, signaling the end of the prayer.
References:
- The Bible:
- Luke 1:26-38 (The Annunciation)
- Matthew 1:18-25 (Joseph's Dream)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church:
- Paragraph 2676: The Angelus
May "The Angelus" become a source of spiritual nourishment, fostering a deeper connection with the divine in our daily lives.