The Angelus is a beautiful and simple prayer rooted in Scripture and centuries of Catholic tradition. In this blog, discover what the Angelus is, why it’s worth incorporating into your daily life, and how to pray it—whether you’re new to it or want to renew your devotion.
What Is the Angelus?
The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer that commemorates the Incarnation—when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). It takes its name from the Latin word angelus, meaning angel, from the opening line: “The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary…”
Traditionally prayed three times a day—at 6 a.m., noon, and 6pm—the Angelus invites us to pause in the midst of daily life and recall the mystery of God becoming man through Mary’s “yes.”
This short but powerful prayer is usually accompanied by the ringing of a bell—known as the Angelus bell—in churches, monasteries, and even town squares around the world.
Downloadable Guides (click the images to download):
Why Pray the Angelus?
In a fast-paced world, the Angelus invites us to stop, be still, and center our hearts on Christ. It’s a way to anchor your day in prayer, drawing you back to the core of our faith: that God became man to save us.
Praying the Angelus cultivates gratitude, humility, and a deeper love for Mary’s role in salvation history. It’s also a beautiful habit that builds a rhythm of prayer into your daily routine—whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go.
Pray the Our Father with purpose! Explore our line-by-line guide to discover the richness behind each petition of the prayer Jesus taught us.
How to Pray the Angelus
The Angelus consists of three short verses with responses, followed by the Hail Mary after each one and a closing prayer. Here’s the traditional format:
- The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
- 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.
- Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
- Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary…
- And the Word was made flesh,
- And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…
- Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
- 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 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.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your prayer life, the Angelus is a powerful way to keep Christ at the center of your day. Let this centuries-old devotion become a fresh source of grace in your daily routine.
Additional Resources
Check out the resource from USCCB for more on praying the Angelus.
Dive deeper into your identity and purpose with Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, OP’s talk, “Saying Yes to God’s Plan: Flourishing as a Woman,” where she reflects on God’s unique plan for each person and how we can joyfully discern His will.
Explore Mary’s role in salvation history with Fr. Rocky Hoffman in “Mary at the Crossroads of History.” Discover her impact on the Church, on our lives, and in this pivotal moment in time.
Longing for a deeper relationship with the Lord? Fr. Josh Johnson invites you into openness and trust in “The Gift God Wants to Give Us”—a talk on receiving God’s love more fully.
And if you’re looking to reignite your love for the Eucharist, don’t miss Hector Molina’s powerful presentation, “The Hidden Manna Revealed: Rekindling Eucharistic Amazement Through The Scriptures.”
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