The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

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Image: The Annunciation by Philippe de Champaigne, 1644

The Annuciation of the Lord is celebrated on April 9 this year. On this solemnity, we commemorate the coming of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce to her the special mission God had chosen for her in being the mother of His only son. This solemnity is also the first joyful mystery of the rosary and an event which should fill our hearts with joy and thanksgivng.

The Franciscans tell us: “The Immaculate Virgin Mary joyfully conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit.” In doing so, they describe the annunciation as the Blessed Virgin Mary’s first joy.  Continue reading

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