Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord — 25 March
On March 25, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, commemorating the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. This profound encounter marks the beginning of the Incarnation—God entering human history through Mary's faithful "yes."
Photograph of a Statue of St. Mary in Canadian Martyrs Church, Hamilton.
In today's Gospel, we hear how the angel Gabriel greets Mary: “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Perplexed yet open, Mary listens as the angel reveals that she will bear a son named Jesus, who will reign forever as the Son of the Most High. Mary's response is a model of humble trust: “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Echoing the prophecy in Isaiah—"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel"—and the Psalmist's words, “Here I am... I delight to do your will, O my God,” her fiat fulfills God's promise and prepares the way for Christ's perfect obedience, as described in Hebrews: “See, God, I have come to do your will.”
Mary's fiat was total surrender to God's will, allowing the Holy Spirit to make the Word flesh. This solemnity reminds us that salvation history pivoted on her free consent, a new creation where God courteously seeks humanity's "yes." From the earliest centuries, the Church has treasured this mystery, fixing the feast on March 25 to honor Christ's conception nine months before Christmas. It inspires devotions like the Angelus, prayed three times daily—"The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit"—and the first Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.
In our busy world, Mary's example challenges us to listen for God's voice amid uncertainty, just as she did in Nazareth. Whether facing personal trials or daily decisions, her trust shows that nothing is impossible with God. Like the foster father we honored last week, St. Joseph, Mary teaches quiet faithfulness in ordinary life.
A beautiful prayer, the Angelus, captures this moment:
V/. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R/. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...
As we celebrate this solemnity during Lent, may Mary's fiat inspire us to say "yes" to God in our own lives—to welcome Christ more deeply into our hearts, families, and parish. Let us pray the Angelus together, trusting in the Incarnation's power to transform us.
Happy Feast of the Annunciation to our parish community.