The Angelus Domini, shorted to the Angelus, is the ringing of the church bell three times in three groups during morning, midday, and evening. While the monasteries would say Matins, Prime, and Compline at this time, the faithful would hear the bell, stop what they were doing, and say three Hail Mary’s.
As early as 1612 A.D. we find the form of the Angelus we pray today, remembering the mystery of the Incarnation, especially that of the Annunciation. Earlier than that, in 1588 the prayer appeared in the “Catholics’ Manual” of St. Peter Canisius. During Paschaltide, this is replaced by the more joyous Regina Coeli.
One very practical aspect of making a habit of the Angelus is the reminder throughout the day to turn to heavenly thoughts. Even if you are at work and have the opportunity to take a minute or so to say this prayer, it presents an opportunity to turn our minds back to Our Lady and ask her to help us serve her well during the day. Our Catholic life should be constant, but it is easy to get caught up in the duties of our station and forget to turn our minds back to God. Offering all our actions of the day to Our Lord is a powerful way to make our life and actions, no matter how small, an act of love to God. Taking a moment to remember the mystery of the Incarnation, and the humility and obedience of Our Lady is a way we can all strengthen our resolve to lead a good life.
The church fathers who have written about the life of Our Lady described her life as one of constant meditation and union of thought with God. She was described to have “kept all these words, pondering them in her in her heart”¹ and this is one reference of her spiritual life. It is interesting that we see the writings of the church fathers on this subject, as Our Lady lived the life of a mother, performing her daily duty perfectly, but never letting it conflict with her perfect resignation to the will of God.
Remembering the words “behold the handmaid of the Lord” should remind us all that Our Lady accepted the will of God without reservation. We must accept His will without reservation as well, but we will not be able to do this without a strong interior life. Remembering the fiat of Our Lady will serve as a constant strength as we live out our daily duty.
When we say the words “and the Word was made Flesh”, we should remember the tremendous sacrifice Our Lord made for us, and the infinite love He has for us that caused Him to come to earth for us. No sacrifice we are asked to endure should be too heavy when we remember that He who was innocence itself was called guilty for our sake.
Footnotes:
- Luke 2:19
Resources:
https://www.fisheaters.com/angelus.html
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/short-history-of-the-angelus-9114
Vita Spiritualis Blog 