The Annunciation: Celebrating Divine Encounter on March 25

The Annunciation – March 25

The Feast of the Annunciation is one of Christianity’s most ancient and significant celebrations. According to tradition, it was established by the apostles themselves and remains one of the three oldest feasts commemorated by the Church.

The Divine Encounter

On this day, the Virgin Mary, humbly living in Nazareth and devoted to prayer, was contemplating the suffering of humanity while nurturing her deep longing for the promised Messiah. Suddenly, the Archangel Gabriel appeared before her, greeting her with the words:

“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.”

Though Mary was initially troubled by his greeting, the Angel reassured her:

“Thou hast found grace with God. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son; and the Lord will give Him the throne of David His Father... And He shall reign over the house of David forever, and His Kingdom shall have no end.”

When Mary questioned how this could happen since she had known no man, Gabriel responded:

“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore, the Holy One which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

With faith and humility, Mary accepted the divine message, replying:

“Behold the Handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word.”

The Meaning of the Annunciation

Mary’s response, often referred to as her Fiat (“Be it done”), was not a sign of doubt but rather a wholehearted acceptance of God’s will. It was a prayer of belief and hope, expressing her complete devotion to God's plan. Her humility and obedience, perfected over years of faithfulness, reached their culmination in this moment.

The Annunciation signifies a profound spiritual marriage between the Son of God and humanity. It highlights Mary's exceptional faith and grace, which drew Christ down to her. This acceptance was not only for herself but on behalf of all humanity.

The Legacy of the Feast

The Feast of the Annunciation has inspired countless religious traditions and artistic representations throughout history. The Angelus prayer, recited daily, serves as a reminder of this sacred event.

Although its exact origin is debated, many agree it dates back to the early Church, possibly established by the apostles. Some sources attribute its formal institution to Pope Gelasius, while others link it to the Council of Ephesus. Regardless of its precise origin, it has long been revered as a central celebration of the Christian faith.

In various cultures, this feast is known by different names, such as Lady Day in Ireland. Its observance on March 25th is rooted in tradition, with early Christians believing it to be the actual date of the Annunciation. Historical records from St. Augustine, Greek Menologies, Syriac and Chaldean Calendars, and St. Gregory’s Sacramentary all confirm this date.

Why The Annunciation Matters

In a world seeking hope and renewal, the Feast of the Annunciation stands as a reminder of God's promise and the power of faith. Its celebration continues to inspire devotion, creativity, and deeper reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation.