Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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ANGELUS

Devotion in honor of the Incarnation, commemorating the angel Gabriel's annunciation to the Blessed Virgin. Recited approximately at 6 A.M., noon, and 6 P.M., it is the opening word of the prayer "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae" (the angel of the Lord declared unto Mary). The evening Angelus probably owes its origin to the curfew bell, a signal for evening prayer. The morning recital began as a prayer for peace. The noon Angelus was first said only on Friday. It is replaced by the prayer Regina Coeli Laetare (Queen of Heaven, Rejoice) during the Easter season. The text of the Angelus follows:

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

R. And she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary)

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

R. Be it done to me according to your word. (Hail Mary)

V. And the word was made flesh.

R. And dwelled 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.

Let us Pray.

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your 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.