Have you ever wondered where the Angelus prayer comes from or what it means? Find out the history and meaning of this beloved Marian prayer.
“The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.” I have fond memories of praying the Angelus with my mom and sister as a child. We said it every day at noon during our home-school day. Though I didn’t pay much attention to the words as a kid, the words of the Angelus call to mind a very important moment in history, the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Jesus, true God and true Man, was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary so that He could suffer and die for our sins. He paid the price for our sins because we could not. And Mary, “the handmaid of the Lord,” was offered the privilege of being the Mother of God. Lucky for us, Mary said yes to God and His Will! And when we pray the Angelus, we can pray for the courage to submit ourselves to God’s Will as Mary did at the Annunciation.
Where does the Angelus Prayer come from?
Beginning in the 12th century, possibly earlier, Catholics would pray three Hail Mary’s to correspond with the three psalms the monasteries sang during Compline, or evening prayer. The verses between the Hail Mary’s were later added, seemingly in the 15th and 16th centuries, to meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation. Eventually, it became custom to say the Angelus three times a day, and churches began ringing the “Angelus bell” at 6am, noon, and 6pm. Many Catholics still drop their work to pray the Angelus at 6am, noon, and 6pm each day.
The Meaning of the Angelus Prayer
Angelus is Latin for “angel,” the first word of the Angelus prayer. The meaning of the Angelus prayer is to call to mind the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the Mother of our Savior. Let us remember that God did not force Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Instead, He asked for her permission. Mary could have just as easily said no. But, she submitted herself fully to God’s will, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Thy Word,” (Luke 1:38).
Mary’s humble submission to God’s will at this moment is known as her fiat. In praying the Angelus, we ask Mary to help us to trust God as she did. To realize that we are all the “handmaid of the Lord,” and that God knows what is best for us and for humanity. When we trust in the Lord and follow His Word, there is a certain peace that comes with it, a greater peace than can be found anywhere else.
The Angelus Prayer
While it is customary to pray the Angelus at 6am, noon, and 6pm, you can choose to say it any time of day. For example, you could say it before breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or just once at noon. Also, you may wish to genuflect at the words, “And the Word was made flesh,” unless of course you are already kneeling. Note that during the Easter season, the Regina Coeli is recited in place of the Angelus.
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…
V/. And the Word was made flesh,
R/. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…
V/. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R/. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
V/. 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.
How do you pray the Angelus prayer alone?
Just like with any prayer, you can say the Angelus prayer in a group or alone. To pray the Angelus alone, simply say both the verses and responses.
The Angelus Prayer PDF
If you would like to print out a copy of the Angelus, download The Angelus Prayer PDF. I’ve also included the prayers for grace before meals and grace after meals in case you want to pray the Angelus at mealtime.
Conclusion
The Angelus is a wonderful prayer to add to your daily routine. It reminds us of Mary’s humble submission to God’s will at the Annunciation, which we celebrate on March 25th. And it is yet another way of honoring Mary, our heavenly mother. God chose to save us through Mary, and so it is through Mary that we find Jesus. Isn’t that a beautiful reason to improve your relationship with Mother Mary by praying the Angelus daily?
What is your favorite Marian prayer? Let me know in the comments below!
SOURCES
History and Meaning of the Angelus Prayer:
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/short-history-of-the-angelus-9114
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5trlSwg-OM
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