The Virgin Mother is the source of my strength. Her continuous intersession for the Church gives me hope that evil will never hold sway over us.
Martin Pender
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to be according to your word."
Luke 1:38
THE ANGELUS
It was around the early 12th Century that the Angelus prayer evolved. It was a form of recitation of the Hail Mary three times following the ringing of the evening bell in the church. It was during the 16th century that the present form of the Angelus, with morning and midday recitations, developed, i.e. at 6 am, noon and 6 pm. However, it can be prayed at any time. During the Easter season, the Angelus is replaced by the Regina Coeli prayer.The Angelus reminds us of the Annunciation, paying tribute to the crucial aspect of Mary’s role in Salvation History, when it quotes from Luke’s Gospel “be it done to me according to thy word” (Lk 1:38). This wonderful event could not have happened without her consent. By saying “yes” to God in allowing herself to become his mother, she showed us the ultimate example of trust in our Creator!
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.
V. May the Divine assistance remain always with us,
R. and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God
rest in peace. Amen.