The Angelus.

English: The Angelus.

French: L'Angélus.

Artist: Jean-François Millet (1814–1875).

Date: 1857-1859.

Current location: Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France.

Source/Photographer: Google Art Project: Home - pic Maximum resolution.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is taken from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.

The Angelus (Latin for "Angel") is a Catholic Devotion Commemorating The Incarnation. As with many Catholic Prayers, the name "Angelus" is derived from its Incipit: Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ (" . . . the Angel of The Lord declared unto Mary . . . ") and is practised by reciting, as Versicle and Response, three Biblical Verses describing the Mystery; alternating with the Prayer "Hail Mary ! " The Angelus exemplifies a species of Prayers called "The Prayer of The Devotee".

The Devotion was Traditionally recited in Roman Catholic Churches, Convents, and Monasteries, three times daily: 0600 hrs, 1200 hrs, and 1800 hrs (many Churches still follow the Devotion, and some Devotees practise it at home). The Devotion is also used by some Anglican and Lutheran Churches.

"The Angelus".

Sung by

The Daughters of Mary.

Available on YouTube at

http://youtu.be/g7BbncHyw9E.

The Angelus is usually accompanied by the ringing of The Angelus Bell, which is a Call to Prayer and to spread good-will to everyone. The Angel referred to in the Prayer is Gabriel, a Messenger of God, who revealed to Mary that she would Conceive a Child to be Born The Son of God. (Saint Luke 1:26–38).

Jean-François Millet (1814 – 1875) was a French painter and one of the Founders of The Barbizon School in rural France. Millet is noted for his scenes of peasant farmers; he can be categorised as part of the Realism Art Movement.