Feast of the Annunciation

The angel Gabriel said to Mary "Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28

On Saturday March 25 we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. Pope Benedict XV1 points out that the angel's greeting using the Greek formula chaire means rejoice. "This exclamation from the angel - we could say - marks the true beginning of the New Testament...Gospel - Good News."

We remember the Annunciation when we recite the Church's Marian prayer Hail Mary.

This day is an especially good day to say the Hail Mary slowly and prayerfully pondering on the words and what they mean for us.

There are two versions of the Hail Mary in te reo HERE

Well known hymn to Mary "Ka Waiata" by Richard Puanaki on Youtube sung by the New Zealand Youth Choir HERE

Image

The famous painting of The Annunciation which is featured on the slider is by Fra Angelico. The original is displayed in the Prado Museum, Madrid.