_The Devotion of the Saints to the Angelus._
1. St. Alfonso di Liguori omitted no favourable opportunity for
showing his tender devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin. Whenever he
heard the clock strike, whatever might be his occupation or
conversation, he interrupted it to recite the Angelical salutation,
saying that one _Ave Maria_ was more valuable than the entire world.
He was most exact in the recital of the _Angelus_. As soon as he heard
the sound of the bell, he went down on his knees, even when he
happened to be in the public streets. When he became deaf he desired
to be warned of the ringing of the bell, and even when at his meals he
would break off and kneel down to recite it. Often was he rapt in
ecstasy during this prayer from the fervour of his devotion.
2. St. Charles Borromeo, who was so celebrated for piety and learning,
was not ashamed, when Archbishop of Milan, to descend from his
carriage or his horse in the open streets to recite the _Angelus_ in
honour of Mary.
3. St. Vincent de Paul, wherever he might be, or in whatever society,
even at court, would recollect himself, and kneel down as soon as he
heard the sound of the Angelus. He considered himself happy to be able
to give public testimony of his filial love of the Most Holy Virgin
Mary, and those who were present always followed his example.
All who devoutly recite the _Angelus_ on their knees morning, noon,
and evening at the ringing of the bell gain a hundred days' Indulgence
each time, and if they continue to say it at least once a day during
the course of a month, they may gain a Plenary Indulgence on the usual
conditions. Those who are unable to hear the sound of the bell may
gain the same Indulgence by reciting the _Angelus_ at the time that it
is usually rung. As to those who are much engaged, and who wish to
supplicate the Blessed Virgin thrice a day, they can supply for the
_Angelus_ the following invocations: Virgin before the birth of your
Divine Son, pray for us; Virgin at His birth, pray for us; Virgin
after His birth, pray for us. Lastly, those who do not know the
prayers can say the _Paters_ and _Aves_ in memory of the Incarnation
of the Word in the womb of Mary.
_Prayer of St. Anselm._--We beseech you, O Queen of Heaven and
Sovereign of the Universe, by the grace which Our Lord conferred upon
you in raising you to so sublime a degree of glory, to intercede for
us, that the fulness of grace with which you were enriched may render
us one day partakers of your glory and happiness. O Mother, full of
mercy, interest yourself in our behalf, that we may be able to enjoy
the ineffable happiness for which our God deigned to inclose Himself
for nine months in your most holy womb. If you deign to pray for us to
your Divine Son, you will be assuredly heard. Let the bowels of your
maternal mercy speak in our favour. If you, our tender Mother, have no
compassion for us, what will become of your most miserable children?
What will be our destiny when your Divine Son, as Judge of the living
and the dead, will call us to His judgment-seat? Have pity on us then,
O Mother of Mercy! Amen.
_Ejaculation._--See, O Mary, the many dangers by which we are
surrounded, and have pity on our miserable condition.
_Practice._--Let all your actions be done this day for the sole end of
pleasing God, that you may thus be able to offer Him the tender lamb
of your love.