A devotion in honor of the Incarnation of Our Lord and venerating His Blessed Mother, recited at morning, noon, and evening at the sound of a bell. It consists of the Hail Mary said three times, with certain versicles (little verses), responses, and a prayer. It takes its name from the opening word of the Latin form, "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Marire" (The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary). The evening Angelus probably owes its origin to the "curfew bell" (French: couvre-feu, cover the fire), a signal for bedtime and evening prayer. The morning recital began at Parma, Italy, in 1318, as a prayer for peace. The noon Angelus, originally used only on Fridays, was extended to other days by Pope Callistus III in 1456. Champlain regulated that in New France it should mark the beginning and end of the day. An indulgence of 100 days is gained when the Angelus with three Hail Marys is said, and a plenary indulgence, conditional upon confession, communion, and prayer for the usual intentions, once a month for those who say it habitually. It is recited kneeling, except from Saturday noon to Sunday evening inclusively; but this is not necessary for gaining indulgence. During the Easter season it is replaced by the Regina Caeli Laetare (Queen of Heaven Rejoice).
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More