The Angelus prayer is a traditional Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It is typically prayed three times daily—at dawn, noon, and dusk—but is most commonly recited at noon. The prayer is based on the Gospel account of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.

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.

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.

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.

 

Explanation

• Announcement of the Angel: The prayer begins with the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, informing her of God's plan for her to conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
• Hail Mary: After each announcement (or verse), the Hail Mary is recited. This prayer reflects Mary's role as the Mother of God and asks for her intercession.
• Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Mary's response to the angel's message, expressing her complete obedience and submission to God's will.
• The Word was made flesh: Acknowledges the mystery of the Incarnation, where the eternal Word of God became human in the person of Jesus Christ.
• Prayer for Intercession: The conclusion of the prayer asks Mary to pray for us sinners, seeking her maternal intercession and protection.
• Final Prayer: The Angelus concludes with a short prayer asking for God's grace, that through the Incarnation of Christ and his Passion, we may attain the glory of his Resurrection.

Usage

The Angelus is often prayed individually or in groups, especially in Catholic monasteries, convents, and parishes. It is traditionally recited at specific times of the day to commemorate the key moments of the Annunciation and the Incarnation. The devotion serves as a reminder of God's love and Mary's pivotal role in salvation history.