The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-08-03
The Angelus.

]
The following was contributed to the
Bennett Pa Star, by VIM A. Golden,
Esq, of Pittsburg, formerly of Taney-
/ town:
( Since the placing of the bells in the tower
of ST. Anthonys chuch, on Hooker street,
regularly every day, at six, twelve aud six
o'clock, respectively, their metallic tongues
ring forth in a series of four but briefly
disconnected peals-the first three, by the
medium sized bell, being of equal dura-
ton, whilst the last, by the largest bell, in
point of time sums up these three.
To Catholics the purpose of these bell
ringings is quite clear and familiar, being
merely a call to Seriptural reflection and
prayer, apropos to the Inearnation-'th
union Of the Godhead with manhood, in
Christ the initial forerunner of Christi
anity. As these suggestive sounds greet
the ear, the deyout Catholic, either at once
or quite soon afterward, repeats passages
from the New Testament and calculates
prayers in eommemoration Of the Archangel
Gabriel's most momeutous visit and greet
ing to toe blessed Virgin Mary; all this in
unison with millions Of co-religionists
throughout the world. In emulation Of
this pious custom. We ind in the Orient
the Mohammedan sheiks mounting to a
platform without the tall minarets of their
mosques and calling the Mussulmans to
prayer.
Singular public interest at present every
wher,, attaches to this Catholic observance
Of reflection and prayer, commonly called
The Augelus, because of the quite re
cent, famous Seeretan art sale in Paris,
when the French Copper Kings extensive
collection Of superb paintings was publicly
aaetioned of. at a grand total Of 5000
000 francs or 81, 10000 II may readily
be recalled how the BarbiEan peasant artist
MiIlet's ehaste picture of devont life among
the lowly French country people, entitled
Il Angelns, made the sensation Of the
day by selling for the unprecedented sum
Of sll4, 400; Monsieur PrOast, director
of the celebrated Louvre art galleries,
urged on by the opportunities of French
connoisseurs and the Partisan aristocraey,
buying the gem for the National Museum,
American collectors in attendance at the
sale vieing with one another in their bid
ding for il, putting the French on their
mettle to allow Of their retaining the pic
tnrc. The subject Is illustrated by a
peasant man and woman in the foreground
suddenly pausing in their field labors, with
signs and implements Of husbandry about
them, and standing in an attitude Of pro
found devotion and prayer, whilst in the
distance is deserted the belfry Of a church,
whence emanate the bell call to prayer
To revert to the subject Of the lesson
and payer-respecting which the poet
Longiellow speaks Of
The peasants Ia the arls that stay
Their tolls 10 cross themselves and pay.
When from the helfry At midday
The Angelus they hear
the following Is the formalary observed
BY Catholics generally, Of all ranks aud
conditions and in all chimes; one Of each Of
the several versicles and responses accom-
panying the respective short-timed ring
ings, the Angelical Sanitation being recited
during the different panses and the long
spell of ringing marking the haal oraIion,
namely;
V The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
T. And she conceived Of the Holy Ghost
Hail Mary. fall Of grace the Lord ia with thee;
blessed AT thou among women 81 Luke t-2Sl aud
blessed is the fruit OF thy womb Jesus Holy Mary,
mother Of tod. pray for sinners now and at the
hour Of our death. Amen.
" Behold the handmAid Of the Lord.
r. he !, done unto me according 10 thy word
tsL Luke I-;ssl.
Hail Mary etc.
Y. And The Word was made fsSh.
4. And dweit among Us (st. John i-isl
Hzil Mary. etc.
v Pray fer US O holy Mother Of God.
L. That may be made worthy OF the promises
OF Christ
Pour fourth. we beseech Thee. o Lord. Thy grace
into our hearts that we % whom the incarnation OF
Christ Thy soH was made known by the message OF
an angel may by His Passion and CFoss. be brought
10 the glory Of Ills rsurreetions through the same
Christ our Lord. Amen.
WM. A. GOLDEN.