The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer that commemorates the moment of the Annunciation when the Angel Gabriel informed the Virgin Mary of her role as the Mother of God. This devotion consists of a series of verses and responses that reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, alternating with the prayer «Hail Mary.» It serves as a reminder of God’s presence and the importance of faith in daily life. Historically, the Angelus has been recited in various settings, including churches and homes, and is marked by the ringing of church bells, inviting the community to pause and pray.
When to pray
The Angelus is traditionally recited three times a day: in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, often before or after Vespers.
Full prayer text
Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ, et concepit de Spiritu Sancto. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.
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Angelus prayer
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.
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnate Word 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.
Por Mario Acevedo 
