In his description of “a short way to perfection” – the simple everyday ways to advance in holiness – Blessed John Henry Newman mentions: “Say the Angelus devoutly.” If you don’t already, this is an excellent week to start: on Monday, we mark the feast of the Annunciation, the event from which the Angelus derives. “The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,” the prayer begins, and the response comes back: “And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.” Three more short responses follow, interspersed with Hail Marys, and then a final prayer.
This form of the prayer dates back to the 16th century, but the general idea of reciting three Hail Marys in a row as a short devotion in itself goes back 400 years further.
Traditionally, one genuflects at the words “And the Word was made flesh.” The Angelus is said at noon – and ideally at 6am and 6pm too, in order to sanctify each part of the day. It can be said collectively or on one’s own. But the most important thing is to say it devoutly.
