What does "Angelus" mean?

Angelus is Latin for "angel." The prayer gets its name from its opening words in Latin: "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae" (The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary).

Why is the Angelus prayed three times a day?

The three daily times (morning, noon, and evening) developed gradually over centuries. The evening Angelus bell began around the 13th century, the morning bell was added in the 15th century, and the noon bell became universal in the 16th century. The three times sanctify the rhythm of the day.

Can non-Catholics pray the Angelus?

Yes. The Angelus is rooted entirely in Scripture (Luke 1 and John 1) and celebrates the Incarnation, which is a core belief of all Christians. Anyone who reveres Christ's coming into the world can pray the Angelus with devotion.

What is the Regina Caeli?

The Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) is a Marian prayer prayed in place of the Angelus during the Easter season, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. It celebrates the Resurrection and the joy of the Easter season.

Do I need to stand or kneel for the Angelus?

Traditionally, the Angelus is prayed kneeling on weekdays. On Sundays and during the Easter season (when the Regina Caeli is prayed), the custom is to stand, because kneeling is associated with penance and these are days of joy. It is also customary to make a slight bow or genuflect at the words "And the Word was made flesh." However, the posture is less important than the prayer itself. Pray in whatever position you can.

How long does the Angelus take?

The Angelus takes about one to two minutes to pray. It is one of the shortest traditional prayers, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

How to Pray the Angelus

Learn the ancient prayer traditionally prayed three times daily at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM

CatholicBeginner5 min

The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer that commemorates the Incarnation. It recalls the moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and she said yes to God's plan. The prayer is traditionally recited three times a day: at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM, often marked by the ringing of church bells.

This practice dates back to at least the 13th century. The prayer takes about two minutes and follows a simple call-and-response format with three versicles, each followed by a Hail Mary, and a closing prayer. In the prayer text, "V." stands for Versicle (the leader's line) and "R." stands for Response (the group's reply). When praying alone, you simply say both parts. It is customary to bow or genuflect at the words "And the Word was made flesh," honoring the moment of the Incarnation. During the Easter season (from Easter Sunday to Pentecost), the Angelus is replaced by the Regina Caeli.

Pope Francis prays the Angelus every Sunday from his window overlooking St. Peter's Square, continuing a long papal tradition. Whether you are at home, at work, or out in the world, this short prayer anchors your day in the mystery of God becoming man.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First Versicle and Hail Mary

Begin by reciting the first versicle, which recalls the angel's message to Mary. Follow it with a Hail Mary.

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 amongst 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.

Second Versicle and Hail Mary

The second versicle recalls Mary's response to the angel. She identifies herself as the handmaid of the Lord and accepts God's will. Follow with a Hail Mary.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, R. Be it done unto me according to Thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.

Third Versicle and Hail Mary

The third versicle proclaims the central mystery of the Christian faith: the Word became flesh. This is the heart of the Angelus. Follow with a Hail Mary.

V. And the Word was made flesh, R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.