Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say the Angelus in English! The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer that commemorates the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It is traditionally said three times a day – in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of saying the Angelus in English. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying the Angelus
The formal way of saying the Angelus involves a structured recitation of the prayer. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Begin with the Sign of the Cross
To start the Angelus formally, begin by making the Sign of the Cross, touching your forehead, chest, left shoulder, then right shoulder while saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Step 2: Recite the Angelus Prayer
Next, recite the Angelus prayer itself. Here’s the prayer:
The angel of the Lord declared unto 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…
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.
Step 3: Conclude with a Prayer
Finish the Angelus formally with a prayer. Here’s a common conclusion:
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.
Informal Way of Saying the Angelus
If you prefer a more casual and conversational approach, here’s an informal way of saying the Angelus:
Begin by embracing a relaxed tone. You can start with a personal reflection on the significance of the prayer or a moment of silence to center yourself.
Then, you can proceed with sharing your thoughts and prayers in your own words. Express gratitude for the gift of life, the example of Mary, and the love of Jesus.
Feel free to incorporate phrases that feel natural to you. For example:
Dear God, as we gather here today, we are reminded of the angel’s message to Mary…
We honor you, Mary, for your faith and obedience…
Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice and love…
Please guide us through the challenges of this day and help us to be more like you…
Continue with your personalized thoughts, reflections, and intentions. Allow the conversation to flow naturally and conclude with a heartfelt prayer.
Tips and Examples for Saying the Angelus in English
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you say the Angelus:
Tips:
- Find a peaceful and quiet space to say the Angelus.
- Set a reminder on your phone or watch for the designated times – morning, noon, and evening.
- Reflect on the words and their meaning to deepen your prayer experience.
- If praying in a group, take turns leading different parts of the prayer.
Examples:
Here are a few examples of how you can personalize the Angelus:
- During the noon Angelus: “As the sun reaches its zenith, we pause to remember the angel’s message to Mary, and we pray that our hearts may be open to God’s will in our lives…”
- Before bedtime: “In the stillness of this evening, we reflect upon the mystery of the Incarnation and ask Mary to intercede for us as we rest and renew ourselves for the day ahead…”
- On Christmas Day: “Today, with joy in our hearts, we celebrate the Word made Flesh. We thank you, Mary, for your ‘yes’ and we ask for the grace to follow in your footsteps…”
Remember to make the prayer your own and let it come from the depths of your heart.
We hope this guide has been helpful in learning how to say the Angelus in English. Whether you choose the formal or informal way, may this prayer become a meaningful part of your spiritual journey. May God’s blessings be with you always!
