Everyday at noon the convent bell is rung by Sr Therese. She rings it not because she feels like it or is demanding an early lunch. She is rather continuing an ancient tradition that has bells rung at noon to call people to prayer.

Traditionally recited at this time is an ancient prayer called 'the Angelus'. It begins by remembering Mary's faithful readiness to be the mother of the Saviour, It ends by proclaiming the beginning of all Christian faith: 'The Word was made flesh.'

In the years of preparation for the Millennium, 1997 has been designated by the Pope as the Year of Jesus Christ. Our bishop urged us recently to make the Angelus our 'prayer of the year'. So, why not join him, and Sr Therese, everyday at noon by reciting, wherever you are, this prayer:

V/. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
R/. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, etc

V/. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
R/. Be it done to me according to your word.
Hail Mary, etc

V/. And the Word was made Flesh:
R/. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc

V/. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R/. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace
into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation
of Christ, your Son, was made known by the
message of an angel, may be brought by his
passion and cross to the glory of his resurrection,
through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.