Solemnity of the Annunciation

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

On Monday 8 April we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. We celebrate the feast this day instead of 25 March which occurred during Holy Week this year.

Readings

Is 7:10-14, 8:10 Behold, the virgin shall conceive.

Ps 39: 7-11 R: Here am I Lord, I come to do your will.

Heb 10:4-10. In the scroll of the book it was written of me that I should obey your will, O God.

Alleluia, Alleluia! The Word of God became flesh and dwells among us; and we saw his glory. Alleluia, alleluia!

Lk 1:26-38: You are to conceive and bear a son.

Prayer

Hail Mary, chosen of God. You were little more than a child, an empty room filled with sunlight, lacking in self-awareness, sensing only the tidal pull of the universe drawing you to a place and time. Even then, you did not notice that the sun stood still, burning up all shadow, and the voice that spoke had the depth of ages. You looked down at your feet jewelled with dust, and said, “Whatever it is, let it be done to me.” And God became your guest, furnishing the empty room with wisdom.

Thank you, Mary, for the gift of simplicity.

By Joy Cowley from "The Quiet of Mary" published in the Marist Messenger, 1 May 2011.

The Solemnity in Art

Hundreds of artists have attempted to illustrate the story of the annunciation by the angel to Mary. Some paintings of the annunciation you may be interested in can be viewed on this website. https://soulpainter.com/2014/03/annunciation-art/

Image on main slider. Oil and tempera on panel - Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci (1472-1475) located in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Made by the Artisanats des Monasteres de Bethleem, de l’Assomption de la Vierge et de Saint Bruno, France. The small bas-relief plaque depicts the Annunciation.