The Prayer Shaped by Centuries

And our new video!

There is a special prayer that bears roots in religious life and now is prayed by the pope publicly in Rome every week.

While we don’t have detailed written records of the early history of this prayer, it began in religious life by simply praying the Hail Mary three times in the evening before it transformed into something more.

This devotion was especially popular among the Franciscans and Saint Bonaventure spread it further.

He encouraging the laity to pray three Hail Mary’s when the evening bells were rung.

As this practice spread beyond the Franciscans and the monasteries, and laypeople began praying three Hail Mary’s as an evening devotion.

Through the years, the popes encouraged all toward this devotion.

Short Bible verses were added to the three Hail Mary’s and a closing prayer.

Today, we have what is known as The Angelus.

Traditionally, it is recited three times a day - morning, noon, and evening, honoring Christ’s resurrection, suffering, and incarnation.

Every Sunday at noon from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the popes continue to pray this prayer publicly. (Although this changes to the Regina Caeli during Easter).

Why is it called The Angelus?

Because that is how it begins in Latin, Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae (The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary).

Today, we released our next video in our Pray with the Saints series, Praying the Angelus with Saint Thérèse!

May these videos help guide you and your kids in the popular and powerful devotions.

Do you know a Carmelite that loves Saint Thérèse? Please share these videos with them!

Maybe you know a priest, a catechist or a teacher? Send the link! Many Catholics do not know our videos exist and are looking for them. You can help them find them!

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared unto to Mary,

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.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord,

Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

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.

And the Word was made Flesh,

And dwelt among us.

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.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,

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.