The ANgelus

The Angelus is a devotional prayer commemorating the Annunciation — the moment the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and she consented to become the Mother of God — and is traditionally prayed three times daily: at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM, at the ringing of the Angelus bell. The practice of pausing for a midday Marian prayer is documented as early as the 13th century, with the full three-times-daily structure becoming widespread by the 16th century. The structure alternates versicles drawn directly from Scripture with three Hail Marys, and closes with a beautiful collect prayer asking that the grace of the Incarnation bear fruit in the resurrection. For centuries the Angelus bell shaped the rhythm of daily life in Catholic communities across Europe, pausing work in fields, workshops, and town squares. Pope Francis has prayed the Angelus publicly from the window of the Apostolic Palace every Sunday, continuing a tradition that dates to the 19th century.