THE ANGELUS

     Since the beginning of Christianity, there have been practices to assist us to internalize the Christian message more and more. These usually have taken the form of prayers inviting God to be active in our lives as key points during the day. These prayers are not simply about changing the way we think, but about getting in the habit of making conscious contact with God in adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication. Jesus calls us to be only and all for God, opening ourselves to be filled in all moments by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
     One of these powerful practices has been the Angelus prayer. as I have mentioned in my homilies, it is traditionally prayed at 6 a.m. at 12 p.m. and 6 pm. The bells of the church would ring and everyone would stop what they were doing in order to pray this prayer and remember Mary's response to the Incarnation. This prayer opens us to Jesus Christ with us now so we can say 'yes' to the action of God in our life, no matter where we are or what we are doing. Below is the prayer, which I recommend we all begin to practice in the morning at noon and in the evening - if we do this we will see great spiritual fruits, especially of peace and joy throughout our day.

In Christ, FrDT

The Angelus
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 Thee; Blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy 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 thy word. Hail Mary, etc.

V. And the Word was made Flesh.
R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, etc.

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 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.