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 The Angelus & Regina Caeli
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The Angelus is a devotion which originates in the 13th Century, and is said thrice daily, in the morning, at noon and in the evening.  The Angelus combines three verses of scripture and three Hail Mary's. 

The Hail Mary of course echoes the words of the Archangel Gabriel, and the words of Elizabeth in the Gospel of S. Luke.  The title, 'Mother of God', or 'Theotokos', in Greek, more accurately translated as, 'Bearer of God', is a title bestowed on Mary at the Council of Ephesus in the year 431 AD.  This title properly understood, emphasises that Jesus, the Son of Mary is in fact God Incarnate. 

The Angelus is a devotion to remind us of the truth of the Incarnation, God becoming Man in Jesus Christ.  The Angelus commemorates a biblical event, the Archangel Gabriel's annunciation to Mary.  The name 'Angelus' derives from the Latin word of the opeing verse Angelus Domini, 'The Angel of the Lord'.

The Angelus is simple in structure, it is biblical in character, and sanctifies moments of the day.  It is also a reminder of the paschal mystery, in which recalling the incarnation of the Son of God, we pray that we may be led 'through his Passion and Cross to the glory of His Resurrection'. 

During the Easter Season, (Easter Eve to Pentecost), the Angelus is replaced by the Anthem, Regina Caeli.

THE ANGELUS

The Angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary.
And She conceived by 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 unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary etc…….

And the word was made flesh.
And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary etc……

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God
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. As we have known the incarnation of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, by the message of an Angel, so by His + Cross, and Passion, may we be brought unto the glory of His Resurrection, through the same
Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN.

REGINA CAELI

Joy to thee, O Queen of Heaven: alleluia
He whom thou was meet to bear: alleluia
As he promised hath arisen: alleluia
Pour for us to God thy prayer: alleluia

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia
For the Lord is risen indeed, alleluia

O God, who by the resurrection of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ brought joy to the whole world; grant that through his Mother the Virgin Mary we may obtain the joys of life everlasting.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

 
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