The Angelus
What is the Angelus?
One of the oldest prayers in the history of the Church, the Angelus was born in the monasteries of Europe.
This deeply Scriptural prayer focuses on the central event of Christianity — the Word becoming flesh. It recounts the scene in the Gospel of Luke, when the Angel Garbiel appears to Mary and tells her of God’s plan for her to bear His son.
The prayer gets its name from its opening words in Latin “Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae.“
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 you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your 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 your 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.
