Saturday
is traditionally given over to the commemoration of the Virgin in the Mass and
in praying the Office of Our Lady.
With work and schedules, those may not be customs that are in reach of many people today, but throughout the centuries, the Church in her wisdom has
provided devotions suited to all conditions and circumstances.
One
of the pious customs all but lost lost in more recent years is the thrice-daily
recitation of the Angleus, in which we sanctify time by briefly remembering the
Incarnation and the example provided by Our Lady in the morning, at mid day, and day’s
end. Originally a simple set of three
Hail Marys, later three petitions were added recalling the Virgin’s answer to
the angelic salutation at the Annunciation. Later still, a concluding versicle and
collect were added.
V. The Angel of the Lord brought tidings
unto Mary:
R. And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.
V. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is
with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
R. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us
sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
R. Be it unto me according to thy word.
