For many centuries Catholics have been praying the Angelus prayer, a devotion the recalls the Incarnation of Jesus at fixed points during the day.
The Angelus is most often prayed at 6:00 a.m., noon, and 6:00 p.m.
For many centuries, religious men and women have adopted a custom of praying multiple times a day, based on a Jewish practice found in the Old Testament.
The author of the Psalms proclaims,“Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17)
Here are the words of the Angelus, said during most of the year outside of the Easter season, when it is replaced by the Regina Coeli.
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.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.
