Angelus ad virginem is a medieval carol that has been sung continuously for about 700 years. It was brought to Britain by French friars in the 13th or 14th century. The oldest surviving appearance of the carol is in a manuscript from 1360.

Based on the Hail Mary, this cheerful carol remains popular with choral ensembles today. To be fair, it truly deserves the title of popular music.

(I’m sorry, but I do not know who is performing this wonderful version.)

Translation from the Latin:

Angelus ad virginem

The angel came to the Virgin,
entering secretly into her room;
calming the Virgin’s fear, he said, “Hail!
Hail, queen of virgins:
you will conceive the Lord of heaven and earth
and bear him, still a virgin,
to be the salvation of mankind;
you will be made the gate of heaven,
the cure of sins.

How can I conceive,
When I have never known a man?
How can I transgress
resolutions that I have vowed with a firm mind?”
“The grace of the Holy Spirit
shall do all this.
Do not be afraid, but rejoice
without a care, since your chastity
will remain in you unspoilt
through the power of God.

To this, the noble Virgin,
replying, said to him,
“I am the humble maidservant
of almighty God.
To you, heavenly messenger,
and bearer of such a great secret,
I give my consent, and wishing to see
done what I hear,
I am ready to obey
the will of God.

Hail, Mother of our Lord,
who brought peace back
to angels and men
when you bore Christ!
Pray your son
that he may show favor to us
and blot out our sins,
giving us help
to enjoy a blessed life
after this exile.

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