Angelus is a Latin word that has been used in Catholic liturgy since the Middle Ages. The word is spelled phonetically as /ænˈdʒɛləs/ in English, with stress on the second syllable. The phonetics of the word show that 'a' sounds like 'æ', 'e' sounds like 'ɛ', 'g' sounds like 'dʒ', and 's' sounds like 'əs'. To say it correctly, you need to put stress on the second syllable and pronounce it as "an-jel-us". This word refers to the ringing of church bells to commemorate the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
The term "Angelus" refers to a specific Catholic prayer rooted in medieval tradition. More than just a prayer, it also signifies a bell that rings three times a day to summon the faithful to pause and contemplate the mystery of Christ's incarnation. The Angelus has been recited at the sound of the bell for centuries, at 6 am, noon, and 6 pm.
In terms of the prayer itself, the Angelus consists of three distinct parts. It begins with the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, as described in the Gospel of Luke. This section is followed by the recitation of the Hail Mary, an invocation to the Virgin Mary to intercede on behalf of the human race. The prayer concludes with a short formula emphasizing the humanity of Jesus, underscoring his divine nature and human birth.
Traditionally, the Angelus is an opportunity for Catholic faithful to briefly pause from their daily activities to remember and reflect upon the mystery of the Incarnation. It is considered an act of devotion, inviting believers to join their minds and hearts with Mary's and acknowledge the role she played in the history of salvation. The Angelus serves as a reminder to the faithful to remain mindful of their faith and to entrust their lives to Mary's maternal intercession.
The word "angelus" comes from Latin. It is derived from the Greek word "angelos" (ἄγγελος), which means "messenger" or "one who is sent". In Christian theology, an "angelus" refers to a specific prayer, but in its original form, the word signifies a celestial being or a divine messenger.