Through the ages, a greeting to the Blessed Virgin has commonly been prayed three times a day: near sunrise, at midday, and near sunset. The "Angelus" is prayed the whole year except during Easter time (from Easter Sunday until midday of Pentecost Sunday) when the Regina Caeli is prayed. 

This brief prayer can give a sacred rhythm to our day, even if we only pray it at one or two of the common times. Through its familiar words we cast a simple glance at the mystery of God's love for us and Mary's exemplary response to that love. We can also use it to unite our efforts and struggles to those of all Catholics throughout the world and throughout the ages. 

THE ANGELUS 

V/   The angel spoke God's message to Mary.
R/   and she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

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/   "I am the lowly servant of the Lord:
R/   let it be done to me according to your word." 

V/   Hail, Mary... 

V/   And the Word became flesh
R/   and lived among us. 

V/   Hail, Mary... 

V/   Pray for us, holy Mother of God.
R/   that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ. 

V/   Let us pray:
Lord, fill our hearts with your grace: once, through the message of an angel you revealed to us the incarnation of your Son; now, through his suffering and death lead us to the glory of his resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/   Amen. 

V/   Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
R/   As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. (Three times) 

Prayer to my Guardian Angel: 

Angel sent by God to guide me,
be my light and walk beside me; be my guardian and protect me;
on the paths of life direct me. 

REGINA CAELI 

V/   Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia!
R/   for Christ, your Son and Son of God, 

V/   has risen as he said, alleluia!
R/   Pray to God for us, alleluia! 

V/   Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia!
R/   for the Lord has truly risen, alleluia! 

V/   Let us pray: O God, you have given joy to the world through the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the prayers of his Mother, the Virgin Mary, bring us to the happiness of eternal, life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.R/   Amen. 

V/   Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
R/   As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. (Three times) 

Prayer to my Guardian Angel: 

Angel sent by God to guide me,
be my light and walk beside me; be my guardian and protect me;
on the paths of life direct me.