Angelus ad Virginem: mood of joyful expectation

(Vatican Radio) 'Angelus ad Virginem' was a popular medieval carol, with a strong lilting rhythm that made it suitable for singing out of doors, on processions and pilgrimages. There's every chance that Chaucer's pilgrims would have sung it on their way to Canterbury.

That's what Monsignor Philip Whitmore tells us in this musical meditation leading up to Christmas: "It tells the story of the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and inviting her to become the Mother of God. As we approach the end of Advent, our thoughts turn more and more to Mary , who is soon to give birth to the long-awaited Saviour ..."

A programme produced by Veronica Scarisbrick.

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