Whats The Angelus?

Question

Whats the idea behing the Angelus? Being a Protestant I know nothing about it. But at 6pm on RTE television here in Ireland every even at 6pm bells ring for 1 minute with pictures of people listening to the bells?? All very weird

Answer 1

It's a prayer"The Angelus is traditionally recited morning (6:00 a.m.), noon and evening (6:00 p.m.)

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, etc.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, etc.

V. And the Word was made Flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.

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.

I'm Irish and an atheist and I'm strongly againest it being shown on television at 6pm. But, in my family, I'm the minority! I was taught it growing up and my Mum would have us saying it every day! Didn't do any good though!

Answer 2

It is a very old custom, not observed widely today. Twice a day the church bells would ring, and whoever heard them, whether they were working out in the fields or in shops or wherever, would stop what they were doing for a minute of prayer. There is a traditional prayer that was said at this time, though some people use their own prayers. the traditional prayer can be seen here:

http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/2983/Angelus.html

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Answer 3

It could be for this reason...
They used to ring the bell just prior to the communion service proper. May be it came from that. Some people, servants, had to work most of the time, but could be excused for the Mass service, so they could take part in the sacrament. My local high-church anglican church does this; its just a comforting and familiar ritual for them I think.

Answer 4

It's a church in Los Angeles formed by Aimee Semple McPherson and is the mother church of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel denomination.