"The Annunciation," El Greco
Christ directed us to "pray always and never lose heart" (Lk. 18:1). For those who tend to forget to pray, the Angelus bell, a triple stroke of the bell repeated three times, is a helpful reminder to pray when we rise, at midday, and in the evening. The Angelus is particularly appropriate to Advent, when we prepare ourselves for the feast of the Nativity, since it concerns the archangel Gabriel's greeting to Mary, by which the Incarnation was first announced. Also, the prayer which concludes the Angelus is the collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Here is the text of the Angelus; each versicle corresponds with one of the triple strokes of the bell-
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the power of 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.
R. Be it done unto me according to your Word.
- 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.
R. And dwelt among us. (genuflect or bow)
- 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.
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 incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may we by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Glory be...
Here is a lovely reflection on the Angelus from America magazine, of all places.
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