A beloved but lesser-known Marian prayer is the “Angelus” ( a Latin name that simply means angel.) The prayer is in the form of three verses and responses which repeat the dialogue of the Archangel Gabriel with the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1), each of which is followed by the recitation of the Hail Mary.

The custom of praying the Angelus three times during the day (at 6 am, noon, and 6 pm) at the ringing of the Angelus Bell has its roots in the Benedictine and Franciscan traditions dating back at least to the 11^th century in its current form. The prayer especially reminds us of the Incarnation of our Lord and the roles of the angels and Our Lady in the work of salvation.

℣. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
℟. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary…)

℣. 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 might 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.