Posted on 04/04/2005 8:12:58 AM PDT by Salvation
Beautiful artwork. Thanks for posting.
Not meaning to argue, I'm simply throwing this out as a topic for discussion.
Feast of the Annunciation - March 25th
FEAST OF THE DAY
The Solemnity of the Annunciation is usually celebrated on March
25th. This year the feast was superceded by Good Friday and the
celebration was moved to the first "normal" day available.
The Solemnity of the Annunciation celebrates 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.
We are continually reminded of the importance of this feast to our
salvation in various devotional prayers. Two examples that highlight
the importance of this feast are the joyous mysteries of the Rosary
and the Angelus.
The feast of the Annunciation began to be celebrated on this day
during the fourth and fifth centuries, soon after the date for
celebrating Christmas was universalized throughout the Church. This
feast celebrates the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity
and the salvation of all mankind. This point of our salvation was
deeply discussed by many of the Church fathers, to explain it to the
faithful and to show the deep love God has for us. Some of the
Church fathers who wrote on this were St. Athanasius, St. Gregory of
Nyssa and St. Augustine.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Enriched from the first instant of her conception with the splendor of
an entirely unique holiness, the Virgin of Nazareth is hailed by the
heralding angel, by divine command, as 'full of grace' (cf. Lk 1:28).
To the heavenly messenger she replies: 'Behold the handmaid of the
Lord; be it done to me according to thy word' (Lk 1:38). Thus the
daughter of Adam, Mary, consented to the word of God, became the
Mother of Jesus. Committing herself wholeheartedly and impeded by
no sin to the Lord, to the person and work of her Son, under and with
him, serving the mystery of redemption, by the grace of Almighty
God. -Constitution on the Church, 56
TODAY IN HISTORY
708 Pope Constantine begins his reign
752 Pope Stephen ends his reign
1847 Pope Pius IX encyclical "On aid for Ireland"
1954 Pope Pius XII encyclical "On consecrated virginity"
TODAY'S TIDBIT
There are many traditions surrounding the death of a pope. His personal symbols
such as his papal ring and seal are destroyed. Coins of the Vatican City
carrying his visage are often marked or cut to show that the pope has died.
INTENTION FOR THE DAY
Please pray for the soul of Pope John Paul II
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