The Angelus 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.