The Annunciation of the Lord

The Annunciation of the Lord commemorates the moment when the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a young virgin named Mary in the town of Nazareth. As recorded in the Gospel of Luke, the angel greeted her with the words, “Hail, full of grace,” and announced that she had been chosen to bear a son who would be called Jesus, the Son of the Most High. Though troubled at first and unsure how this could be, since she had not known man, Mary listened with faith as Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that nothing would be impossible for God.

In a profound act of humility and trust, Mary gave her consent, saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” At that moment, Christians believe, the eternal Son of God took on human flesh in her womb. The Annunciation marks the mystery of the Incarnation — God becoming man — and stands as one of the most significant events in salvation history.

Celebrated nine months before Christmas, on March 25, this feast honors not only Christ’s conception but also Mary’s faithful “yes” to God’s plan. The Church looks to her response as a model of obedience, courage, and trust, reminding the faithful that God’s greatest works often begin in quiet surrender to His will.