The Angelus prayer is a well-known Catholic prayer, traditionally said 3 times each day. It is a daily reminder to let God’s will be done in our life, harkening to the Annunciation of Mother Mary.
Meaning of the Angelus Prayer
The Angelus Prayer conveys the message from the angel Gabriel to Mary declaring God’s plan for her life. This was a crucial moment in mankind’s fate, where Mary’s yes to God began Christ’s work of salvation for humanity. Praying the Angelus prayer is unique because we say it at specific times of the day, bringing our minds and hearts to Christ throughout the day.
In the Angelus prayer, we observe and emulate Mary’s example of devotion to God’s will. In fact, all of mankind’s salvation depended on the moment where “the Word became flesh.”
History of the Angelus Prayer
The Angelus prayer began as a way for workers to pray in the evening, at the conclusion of their workday. It would regularly correspond with monks praying their Evening Prayer. At first, this prayer solely involved three Hail Marys to praise the Annunciation.
By the first decades of the 14th century, praying the 3 Hail Marys at dusk grew to be quite popular. It was even promoted and gratified by Pope John XXII. Catholic tradition suggests that the original author of the Angelus prayer was Benedetto Sinigardi.
The ringing of the Angelus bells preceded the prayer to inform people that it was time to pray. Soon this also included praying both in the morning and at midday. Although not all of the devoted could pray the Liturgy of the Hours like the monks, they could still include this prayer throughout their day.
Catholic Quotes
Pope St. Paul VI writes in his Apostolic Exhortation Marialis Cultus: “What we have to say about the Angelus is meant to be only a simple but earnest exhortation to continue its traditional recitation wherever and whenever possible. The Angelus does not need to be revised, because of its simple structure, its biblical character, its historical origin which links it to the prayer for peace and safety, and its quasi-liturgical rhythm which sanctifies different moments during the day, and because it reminds us of the Paschal Mystery, in which recalling the Incarnation of the Son of God we pray that we may be led “through his passion and cross to the glory of his resurrection.”
Cardinal St. John Henry Newman even says that reciting “the Angelus devoutly” every day is a part of a perfect day.
The Angelus Prayer
The Angel of the LORD declared unto Mary,
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.
Behold the handmaid of the LORD.
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.
And the Word was made flesh.
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.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we might 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.
Popular Catholic Prayers
Hail Mary
Prayer to St. Jude
The Peace Prayer of St. Francis
The Prayer to St. Joseph
Prayers to the Virgin Mary
The Prayer to the Sacred Heart Of Jesus
Prayer to St Michael
Sources:
wedaretosay.com
Catholic Encyclopedia