Yesterday I spent the day in Monroe, Michigan, at my IHM Motherhouse. I am a member of committee that is responsible for engaging the IHM community in a process of prayer and reflection on religious life and our IHM charism. It is one of the most engaging experiences I’ve had the privilege to be involved in.

While at the meeting yesterday, we talked about many things — how the process was going, what our next steps are, etc. The meeting continued throughout the morning. Then, while we were in the midst of discussion on some topic or another, the Motherhouse bell rang. It was noon, and the bell signaled the praying of the Angelus. Our discussion stilled and gave way to silence. Then we began to pray together the Angelus.

I can’t tell you how meaningful that was. It symbolized so much to me … our apostolic work combined with contemplation; our identity as Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters; our shared life of prayer, community, and mission; our own “yes” to the work of the Holy Spirit alive in us, in our IHM community, and in our world.

At noon today I invite you to pray the Angelus with me and with my IHM Sisters. Here are the words to the Angelus.

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace …

Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace …

And the Word was made Flesh.
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace …

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.