The Annunciation

posted 3/24/20

Tomorrow, 3/25, is the Feast of the Annunciation on which we celebrate the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Blessed Virgin Mary that God had chosen her to be the Mother of the Savior.  It’s a special day for the people of our parish for a couple of reasons – first: St. Gabriel is one of our patron saints, and second: because the Annunciation is a “solemnity” in the Church’s calendar.  That means that it’s an important enough celebration that we suspend our Lenten disciplines for the day.  Just like the Feast of St. Joseph, on the Feast of the Annunciation we should treat ourselves to the thing that we gave up for Lent.  I will be having some ice cream and a beer.   

Tomorrow I will try to post a video around 7pm of the recitation of the Rosary in the Church of St. Cecilia, at the end of which I will consecrate our parish to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I will include the prayer in tomorrow’s posting so that you can pray along at home. If you decide to make a visit to the church of St. Cecilia tomorrow, please visit Our Lady’s shrine and offer a prayer for a resolution to the current situation.  We must not underestimate the power of the Blessed Mother’s intercession. 

Finally, Pope Francis has asked that Catholics around the world pray the Our Father at noon tomorrow.  Please set your alarms to join the Holy Father in his prayer for mercy.