The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the most ancient and solemn celebrations in the Church, commemorating the moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary and announced that she would conceive the Son of God by the power of the Holy Ghost. This event, recorded in St. Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38), marks the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ—the moment when the Second Person of the Holy Trinity took on human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
The Annunciation in Scripture and Tradition
The scene of the Annunciation is one of the most profound moments in salvation history. The Archangel Gabriel, sent by God, greets Mary in Nazareth with the words:
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28).
Mary, though troubled at first, listens attentively as Gabriel reveals God’s divine plan. When he proclaims that she will conceive and bear a son, Mary asks how this will be, since she has taken a vow of virginity. Gabriel responds:
“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35).
At this, Mary humbly responds:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38).
With her Fiat—her total surrender to the Divine Will—the Word was made flesh, and the work of Redemption was begun.
Historical Development of the Feast
The Feast of the Annunciation has been celebrated in both the Eastern and Western Churches from the earliest centuries. By the 4th or 5th century, it was widely observed, with the date of March 25th being settled upon as it was believed to be exactly nine months before Christmas.
In the Middle Ages, theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Bonaventure emphasized the profound significance of this feast: that through Mary’s consent, God became man to redeem mankind. Many saints have reflected on the mystery of the Annunciation, seeing in it the perfect model of humility, faith, and obedience.
In Rome, the Basilica of the Annunciation was built to honor this sacred mystery, and in Nazareth, the Basilica of the Annunciation stands on the site traditionally believed to be Mary’s home, where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her.
Liturgical and Spiritual Significance
The Feast of the Annunciation is deeply connected to both the Incarnation and the Passion of Christ. Since March 25th often falls during Lent, it serves as a reminder that the purpose of Christ’s coming into the world was to suffer and die for the salvation of mankind.
In the Traditional Latin Mass, the Annunciation is celebrated with great solemnity:
- The liturgical color is white, symbolizing the purity of the Blessed Virgin and the divine light of the Incarnation.
- The Gospel of the day (Luke 1:26-38) recounts the angel’s message and Mary’s response.
- The Angelus, a prayer recalling the Annunciation, is prayed daily by Catholics, particularly at 6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM.
Devotion to the Annunciation
Catholics honor the Annunciation in various ways:
- The Angelus Prayer: This devotion recalls the angel’s greeting and Mary’s humble submission.
- The First Joyful Mystery of the Rosary: The Annunciation is the first of the Joyful Mysteries, meditated upon during the Rosary.
- Consecration to Mary: Many saints, including St. Louis de Montfort, recommend renewing one’s total consecration to the Blessed Virgin on this day.
The Annunciation and the Redemption of Mankind
Fathers of the Church, such as St. Irenaeus and St. Augustine, saw Mary’s obedience as a direct contrast to Eve’s disobedience. As Eve brought sin into the world through her pride, Mary brought the Savior into the world through her humility. For this reason, she is called the New Eve, and her Fiat reversed the Fall of Adam.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, meditating on the Annunciation, describes how the entire world waited in silence for Mary’s response:
“The angel awaits an answer. We too are waiting, O Lady… If you consent, at this moment we shall be freed.”
Conclusion
The Annunciation is not merely a past event—it is a living mystery. Each day, God calls souls to respond with the same faith and humility as the Blessed Virgin. Just as she welcomed Christ into her womb, we are called to welcome Him into our hearts through prayer, obedience, and the Sacraments.
On this glorious feast, the Church proclaims:
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us!” (John 1:14).
Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary!