How to Pray the Angelus

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.