The Angelus: A Prayer of Pause and Reflection

Growing up in Ireland, there was only one TV station and one radio station—RTÉ (Radio Telefís Éireann). Because Ireland was a Catholic country, these stations paused broadcasting at noon and 6 PM to play The Angelus. The moment began with the ringing of bells, followed by solemn music. Our family, like all good Catholics, stopped what we were doing to recite this sacred prayer.

RTÉ continues to broadcast The Angelus daily. This tradition has been in place since 1950 and remains a significant part of RTÉ’s programming.

In 2009, RTÉ updated the visual presentation of The Angelus, moving away from explicitly religious imagery to more reflective visuals, making it more inclusive for a diverse audience.

Over time, the tradition of stopping to pray has been lost. In our podcast- and streaming-dominated world, where religion plays less of a role in daily life, the sacred pause of The Angelus has faded. The world seems busier, more hurried, and I often wonder why we, as Catholics, no longer pause at key moments of the day to pray.

Other faiths, like Islam, still commit to structured prayer times, turning toward Mecca and making time for reflection. Why shouldn’t we embrace the same devotion? Why have we let go of something so meaningful?

Let’s bring it back. Starting today, let’s revive The Angelus.

At noon and 6 PM, let’s stop, breathe, and pray together. Let’s use this moment to reconnect with our faith, honor Mary’s obedience, and strengthen our relationship with God.

The Prayer: The Angelus

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,

R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary…

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord,

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

Hail Mary…

V. And the Word was made flesh,

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary…

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.

Amen.

Reflection: A Call to Pause and Reconnect

The Angelus is more than just a prayer; it is a sacred pause in the midst of daily life. It serves as a moment to step away from the noise of the world and reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation.

In today’s fast-paced society, it is easy to get lost in endless distractions. The Angelus offers us an intentional opportunity to reconnect with God, to align our hearts with Mary’s humble “yes” to His divine plan.

Imagine the power of reviving this devotion—not just as a personal practice, but as a community of faith, united in prayer at the same times each day.

Scripture for Meditation

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

These verses remind us of the profound significance of Mary’s obedience and the gift of Christ’s presence among us. When we pray The Angelus, we echo Mary’s faith and open our hearts to God’s will.

Personal Reflection: Restoring Sacred Moments

• Have you ever felt the need for structured prayer in your daily life?
• What would happen if you paused for just a moment each day to reflect and pray?
• How can you incorporate The Angelus into your routine as a way to grow in faith?

Write a short reflection in your BASE Journal, considering how The Angelus might bring renewed peace and purpose to your day. 

For those of you who do not know what BASE is, it stands for Badass and Sober Experiment, I book I wrote to help people become sober by embracing their inner badass. See Badassandsober.com for details and to purchase a copy for yourself of anyone struggling with alcohol related issues. 

A Complementary Prayer: A Prayer for Daily Renewal

Blessed Mother,

Teach me to pause, to listen, and to pray.

Help me to embrace stillness in the midst of my busy days.

Let my heart echo your faithful “yes,”

and may my soul always be open to God’s grace.

Through your intercession, may I find

moments of peace, clarity, and devotion,

and may my faith grow stronger with each prayer.

Amen.

Closing Thought for Week 4 with Mary

The Angelus calls us to slow down, reflect, and embrace prayer as a way of life. This week, commit to reciting The Angelus at least twice per day. Let it be a reminder of God’s presence in your life, a small yet powerful act of devotion that deepens your faith.