Angelus
The practice in the Roman Catholic Church of reciting, at morning, noon, and evening, three “Hail Mary|Hail Marys” together with versicles and responses, and a collect of the Annunciation. It is intended as a continual reminder of the Incarnation. Warning of the observance is given at the appropriate hours by the ringing of the Angelus bell. It is rung three times for each “Ave” and nine times for the collect. The name of the rite is derived from the first word of the opening versicle: “Angelus Domini nuntiavet Mariae.” Different words are used, however, at Eastertide. The practice of the Angelus was begun in Italy during the thirteenth century and did not spread into general use until after the Reformation.