The Angelus

A detail from a painting by Giovanni Cimabue, in the lower level of the Basilica at Assisi.

The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Francisco

The Angelus

According to tradition, the Angelus is recited at three particular times during the day: 6 AM, 12 noon, and 6 PM. During the Easter Season, the Angelus is replaced by the Regina Caeli, according to a practice first instituted in the 18th century.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The statue is in Saint Francis of Assisi church. Although we do not know exactly how the Angelus came into popular use, we do know that through a decree of the Franciscan General Chapter in the time of Saint Bonaventure the laity in general were encouraged to say Hail Marys when the bell rang for the friars’ evening prayer. This practice may have been influenced by the belief that at this very hour Our Lady was saluted by the angel. Eventually, the morning and noon hours were added to the devotion.

At the NATIONAL SHRINE OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI we recite the Angelus every weekday at noon just before our 12:15 PM Mass. We encourage you to stop work each day at noon and pray with us.

Outside the Paschal Season

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 in the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:

R. Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary, full of grace, ...

V. And the Word was made flesh:

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, ...

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.

R. Amen.

A homily about Angels, by Saint Gregory the Great

Paschal Season
(From Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday)

Queen of Heaven rejoice, alleluia:
For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia,
Has risen as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray: O God, who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, granted joy to the whole world: grant we beg Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.