By Ignatius Zaar
The Angelus is an ancient prayer which is familiar to many Catholics, and for generations and generations has been recited at Noon and 6 pm to commemorate the Annunciation and Incarnation. Established over 700 years ago, The Angelus was a simple prayer that allowed farmers and those working in the fields to stop and punctuate their day with prayer, without having to go to the Church. Growing up my family didn’t pray the Angelus, and to be honest I never really appreciated it until these past few weeks as the restrictions surrounding COVID-19 came into effect. With less freedom and a much quieter life the short break from study or whatever other task I am doing allows me to refocus Jesus.
I am someone who likes being free to do what and go where I want, and in the initial stages of this pandemic, I struggled with the restrictions. For me, the Angelus provided a daily reminder of Mary’s ‘yes’. When the Angel visited her, she did not know what was going to happen. Instead of worrying or complaining she choose to say yes, “behold the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). This is something I am trying to imitate and unlike Mary, I forget my resolution constantly. Without the Angelus, I probably wouldn’t experience the peace that comes from trusting in God, no matter how hard it is or how badly I do it.
The men of the Frassati Fraternity have committed to ringing the Parish’s bell and praying the angelus twice a day at noon and six. We invite you to join us in praying the angelus with us wherever you are and together to lift our hearts to God for ourselves and for each other.
The Angelus is “a summary of 'the Christian epic' in three books: the divine invitation and initiative; the human response of obedience, fiat; and the result of this obedience, the Word made flesh." – St Pope John XXIII
The Angelus:
℣. The Angel of the LORD declared unto Mary,
℟. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary…
℣. Behold the handmaid of the LORD.
℟. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary…
℣. And the Word was made flesh.
℟. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…
℣. 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.