She said YES!

Today, March 25, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. We read in Lk 1:26-38 the Archangel Gabriel’s visit to Virgin Mary, announcing she would conceive and bear Jesus, the Son of God. This is a decisive event when God revealed his plan of salvation. But God in his great love and respect for each one requires the free, not forced, consent of the person selected for the mission. And Mary said YES!

The feast serves as a moment to reflect on the mystery of the Word becoming flesh (incarnation) and to emulate Mary's complete trust in God's will. Her humble acceptance (fiat) is our model of faith and obedience. May each of us also respond to God’s call "Let it be done to me according to your word."

The Biblical Event: Luke 1:26-38, Gabriel appeared to Mary in Nazareth, telling her she was highly favored, would conceive by the Holy Spirit, and named her child Jesus. Mary’s response, famously written in Latin as fiat translates to "let it be done" or "let it happen," signifying a willing acceptance. It represents Mary’s complete abandonment of her personal plans to surrender to God's purpose.

Significance: The Annunciation and Mary's acceptance mark the "beginning of salvation," highlighting the Incarnation of God becoming man. The event emphasizes Mary's role in the Christian story and highlights the importance of her complete trust in God. It is viewed as the "opposite" of Eve's disobedience in Eden—a "yes" to God that initiates the fulfillment of salvation history.

The Angelus: A devotional prayer commemorating this event, traditionally prayed at morning, noon, and evening.

The Hail Mary (Ave Maria): The first part of this prayer is derived from Gabriel’s greeting to Mary.

The Magnificat: Mary’s song of praise, which she speaks in response to the announcement.

The Rosary: The Annunciation is celebrated as the first Joyful Mystery.

Artistic Representation: Historically, the Annunciation is a common subject in Christian art, depicting the angel's announcement and Mary's receptive posture.

Date and Celebration: Occurring on March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas, it marks the Incarnation of Christ. The Annunciation is a major Solemnity in the Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, and Eastern Orthodox tradition.

There are only two (2) solemnities within the Season of Lent; the Solemnity of Joseph, Husband of Mary; and the Solemnity of the Annunciation to Mary. Both stories of calling and responding are pivotal in God’s mission to save the world. Like them each of us are called by God to a mission. Like them, may we also respond in humble obedience and complete trust in God.