10 April 2025
The Annunciation celebrates the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to Mary that she shall bear the Christ Child. Normally we celebrate the Annunciation on March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas, but this year March 25 was Holy Monday. Whenever this happens, the Annunciation is transferred into Eastertide. Most churches, if they celebrate the day, did so this past Monday, the first available day after Holy Week and Easter Week. Some have argued that Tuesday would be a better day for this feast when transferred into Eastertide. Tuesday allows for Monday to be the Eve of the Annunciation, and great days like the Annunciation begin their celebrations on the Eve with a First Vespers or Evensong. (Mondays generally do not allow for this, because Sunday evening is always "of Sunday" and not an "eve of Monday.")
These things can become more complicated than most laity care. For the life of the average parish, if you are able to celebrate the Annunciation with a special mass, you have already won a significant battle. If St. Mark's was only able to have one weekday mass each week, then it would make sense to celebrate the Annunciation at that mass this week. Choose what works best for the parish and people.
Beyond the calendrical trivia is the good news that the Annunciation brings. Mary said "yes" to God's plan for saving the world, and thus our lives are dramatically different. God chose to save the world, and Mary's remarkable faith nobly partnered with God's desire. At one point in history this day was considered the beginning of the year. It makes sense that the beginning of our salvation would be marked by a new year of life. It has also been believed that March 25 was not only the day of the Annunciation, but also the day when our Lord was crucified. That is a mystery worth pondering. The beginning of our salvation, and the final act of our salvation, have been thought to share the same day.
Tonight we gather for a joyous high mass with some great Marian hymns. When we celebrate these days, the attendance is often thin, but it is important to celebrate regardless. Since at least the sixth century, the church has celebrated this day with honor. Mary showed us how to say "yes" to God. It is our joy to do the same.
Blessings,
Father Paul Lillie +
