What does the word “Annunciation” mean?

In the Catholic Church, March 25 marks the solemnity known as the "Annunciation of the Lord." What does that word actually mean?

The word "annunciation" comes from how the Church names the feast day in Latin (Annuntiationem Beatae Mariae Virginis). The word annuntiationem has at its root the Latin word annuntiare, meaning "to announce."

This word is referring to the "announcement" of the Lord's incarnation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, as narrated in the Gospel of Luke.

In a similar way, St. Joseph had his own "annunciation," where an angel appeared to him to announce the miraculous conception of Jesus, urging him to take Mary into his own home.

The solemnity of the Annunciation is a beautiful day in the Church, one that marks the free acceptance of God's plan by the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is the day when "the Word became flesh," making his home within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary is an example for us all to imitate, as she freely said, "Yes," to God and to his wondrous plan for her life. Her "Yes," paved the way for the coming of Jesus and the ultimate salvation of humanity.

It is also a preview of Christmas Day, which occurs exactly nine months after March 25. The great mystery of the incarnation begins on this momentous day of the Annunciation, a day that challenges us to look at our own lives and how God has "announced" his plan to us.

While most of us never receive such an announcement through the words of an angel, God still tries to communicate his will to us through the desires of our hearts.

We simply have to open our hearts to God and listen attentively to what he is trying to speak to us.