On this day we solemnly recall that day when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word was made flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
Spiritual bonus
March 25 is also the day we celebrate Saint Dismas, the “Good Thief” who was crucified with Jesus. This comes from an old tradition—embraced by Tertullian and Saint Augustine—that March 25 was the day on which Jesus, together with Saint Dismas, died on the Cross.
For reflection
“‘Let it happen to me as you have said’ (Luke 1:34-35, 38). I keep listening to these words as words that summarize the deepest possible response to God’s loving action within us. God wants to let the Holy Spirit guide our lives, but are we prepared to let it happen? Just being with Mary and the angel and hearing their words—words which changed the course of history—bring me peace and rest.”—Henri Nouwen, Road to Daybreak
Vocations
The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery (Bismarck, ND): www.annunciationmonastery.org
The Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Byzantine Rite of Holy Annunciation Monastery (Sugarloaf, PA): www.byzantinediscalcedcarmelites.com
Poor Clare Colettine Nuns of Annunciation Monastery: www.poorclaresjoliet.org
The Sisters of Life: www.sistersoflife.org
Prayer
O God, who willed that your Word should take on the reality of human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, that we, who confess our Redeemer to be God and man, may merit to become partakers even in his divine nature. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...