Jean-François Millet, The Angelus, 1857–59
Project Angelus

The Angelus

A Prayer Commemorating the Incarnation

The Angelus is a traditional Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation of Christ. It is prayed three times daily — at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM — when church bells ring to call the faithful to prayer.

English

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,

R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary...

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord,

R. Be it done unto me according to thy 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 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.

Latin

V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae,

R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

Ave Maria...

V. Ecce ancilla Domini,

R. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.

Ave Maria...

V. Et Verbum caro factum est,

R. Et habitavit in nobis.

Ave Maria...

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix,

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus: Gratiam tuam, quaesumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde; ut qui, Angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui Incarnationem cognovimus, per Passionem ejus et Crucem ad Resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

About The Angelus

The Angelus takes its name from the opening words of the Latin text: "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae" ("The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary"). This ancient devotion dates back to at least the 13th century and recalls the announcement of the Incarnation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Traditionally, church bells ring at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM to call the faithful to pause and pray The Angelus. This practice sanctifies the day, marking morning, midday, and evening with a moment of reflection on the mystery of God becoming man.

During Paschaltide

During the Easter season (from Easter Sunday through Pentecost), The Angelus is replaced by the Regina Caeli ("Queen of Heaven"), a joyful prayer celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord.

View the Regina Caeli prayer →

Never Miss The Angelus

Our apps bring the traditional devotion of The Angelus into your daily life — with authentic bell recordings from church towers around the world.

Chrome Get Extension Apps Coming Soon Get early access