March 25: Feast of the Annunciation

"Ecce Ancilla Domini!"  (The Annunciation)
by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

History

Today is the day the Church celebrates God's promise of salvation in the Feast of the Annunciation. As we read in Luke 1, an angel appeared to a godly young woman named Mary and told her she would bear the Christ. Mary was initially confused about how this could possibly happen, so the angel explained to her that she would become miraculously pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. Even though this could have put her in danger, because unmarried pregnant women could be legally executed in those days, Mary had received the fullness of Grace from God, and she accepted this role, full of faith and love for her Lord and Savior.

Activity

Since this is one of the most important solemnities of the Church, all Lenten penances are lifted for the day. You can and should feast to celebrate God's great love for us in sending us His Son. After dinner tonight, serve an angel food cake with fruit, symbolizing the appearance of the angel and the "blessed Fruit" conceived in Mary's womb: Jesus. Also, today is the day that Catholics all over the world pray for the unborn. And don't forget to ask God to give you the kind of faith that Mary had.

Blessed Mother of God, pray for us!

More reading for parents: 

Catholic Culture
EWTN
Catholic Online